There is no I in Team....

The definition of "Team" is - a number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or a contest.

We are trying to teach our children that when you are on a team it is not only about you...but rather it is about every member on your team, equally.

With that said we are instilling in our children the commitment that comes along with being on a team. You practice, you cheer your teammates on, you respect your "coach" and any assistants they have and win, lose or draw you are a good sport and always speak positively to your coach, teammates and your competitors.

We also expect this from the members of our children's teams. There is nothing more frustrating than arranging your schedule around practices and events and then having your teammates not show up. I do not mean for illness or death...I am talking about just not coming - think along the lines of an unexcused absence. The parents and kids that are there are being cheated and so are the kids who aren't coming because they are missing out on not only learning the team skills but life skills about commitment. When you commit to a team you have to take that seriously.

It is fine to not want to live by a schedule or to want a variety in life...I am just suggesting you find a "solo" activity to enjoy instead of a "team" activity.