The Craziest Sport Ever

I always knew my son was a tough cookie.  I did not, however, realize there was a sport that would cut me to the core with fear and anxiety.  The sport is rugby.

When I was informed my son wanted to play rugby, initially I thought it was cool and a new experience for an athletic kid.  That was, until I watched my first game.  It was a mother's worst nightmare and I panicked.  I honestly thought my son would be broken in half (or at least a broken something).

Grant's best friend's mom and my dear friend is a Kiwi.  Rugby is as popular in New Zealand as the NFL is in the U.S.  In fact, rugby is a worldwide culture of its own.   I was assured there were fewer injuries playing rugby compared to football.  How could that be?  There is no protective gear and kids are tackled and thrown to the ground!  Rugby became a part of our life when the San Diego Young Aztecs club team called.  And Grant LOVED it.


The biggest thrill was coming in third place at the Southern California championships.   The competition was fierce and it appeared the winning team had pulled the roughest street kids from L.A. and turned them into fantastic rugby players.  There was only one child removed by ambulance at the tournament.  Ugh!


YouTube video above of rugby well played by the U16 Young Aztec team.

Hoping for the Best

When my son reads this blog in June I hope he comes away with the message--I tried my best.  I really did.  It was very easy to judge other parents BK (before kids) and I often would say, "When I have kids I will NEVER do that!!!" Or even better, "My parents did x,y, or z and I swear I'll never do that!"  I have since learned never say never.

People say parenting is the toughest job you'll ever do.  They are correct.  It is the toughest but, undoubtedly, also the most rewarding.  I just hope I didn't screw it up too bad in raising a son.

Sharing stories with other parents always made me feel better.  I am not alone in the craziness.  If I lost it and spanked my toddler, others will empathize (assuming they are not in the anti-spanking group).  If my child had a major meltdown in the grocery store and EVERYONE turned to stare, others will empathize.  If my child hit, kicked and bit me at the park when I said it was time to leave, others will empathize.  The best consolation came when the "Super Nanny" television show aired.  After watching that show, I knew I wasn't doing so bad.

My ultimate wish is that I did good enough to create a loving and responsible son who will be a happy and productive member of society.

An Alternative Education

What does a parent do when their child needs an alternative to traditional schooling?  This is a daunting question and one I grappled with for quite some time.  There are just some kids who do not fit the mold for a traditional school setting.  These kids like to "think outside the box."

Fortunately, with some luck and good timing the alternative simply appeared.  Thanks to the educational visionaries who were disenchanted with the direction and outcome of traditional schools-- the High Tech charter schools were formed.  The school(s) were designed with four principles:  a) personalization b) adult world connection c) common intellectual mission and d) teacher as designer.

Grant thrived in this setting.  It was project-based learning (no textbooks but learn by doing), the classrooms had 25 students max,   all kids had access to laptops and the newest technology, the teachers were young/fun and on one year contracts (if they were inefficient they were gone).  Watching a bunch of middle and high school kids get excited about their learning was mind-blowing.

From middle school through high school I cannot recount all of the opportunities and benefits reaped via the High Tech schools--there were too many.  One of my favorite experiences was the mandatory 11th grade academic internship.  All of the kids had to secure an adult workplace environment and spend three weeks working full-time, side by side with their mentors.  What an incredible way to gain real world experience.  This was the apex for Grant's real world connection.  


My sincerest and deepest gratitude is extended to the founders and visionaries of the High Tech schools.  Grant loves to learn and will have a bright future.

Photo above of Grant's beloved middle school humanities teacher Mrs. Morton (far left), myself and Grant on one of their many fun field trips.

San Diego Junior Lifeguards

My dilemma of adolescence.  How does a parent of an active child channel that energy and time of summer vacation in a positive way?  The answer came from a tip about the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program.

Since my kids have always spent a lot of time at the beach, this program was not only character building but potentially life-saving.  Kids would learn to respect the ocean and build skills for survival.  And it all started with an ex-Marine named Captain Vila.  He was as tough as they came but so very valuable in his teachings.  Over the course of two summers, the dedicated lifeguards of San Diego put my son to work.

The Junior Guards not only had to run and swim miles but also had to dive off speeding lifeguard boats, jump directly into rip currents and get themselves out and learn CPR.  The program culminated in a jump off the Ocean Beach Pier.  I received a photo of this event but was thankful not to be there.  How could a mother watch her son stand on the highest point of the pier and jump??!!  Apparently, ALL of the kids' knees were knocking--but they did it.


Thank you and kudos to the San Diego Lifeguards.


Photo above of one of the boat dives