I had a little health hiccup the other day and found myself in a place I'd rather not have been. Life goes on though I guess, I did what I had to and moved on, even though I was feeling annoyed, very tired and depressed about the situation. Tired, annoyed and frustrated...not the sort of G-dog I like to be - I needed a pick-me-up - so sent a message to my sister in law saying, hey, is @mrbonkers available for a video chat? As it turns out he was.
My five year old nephew, @mrbonkers, is a cool kid and brings me a lot of happiness; when he answers my video calls with, hello uncle bonkers, I smile immediately.
He was telling me about what he's been doing: Study (reading and writing), violin practice, what he's been eating (we like to compare to see if we have eaten the same things), playing Lego, going to the hardware store with his dad, practicing his shooting (with the Nerf gun I bought him), swimming lessons, and riding his bike among them. He's a very clever kid and my brother likes to keep him active and engaged with a variety of things and we talked a little about each, it was cool to hear he's progressing with all of them nicely.
He has just gotten a new bike for his birthday, one that replaced his kid's bike with a more grown up version: Front and rear disc brakes as opposed to the peddle-back brakes on the old one, suspension, better ground clearance and a more durable bike all round. My brother paid a lot of money for it but recognised my nephew was limited by the older bike and a new one would see him develop with more safety.
I have seen videos of him on the bike track doing jumps and we talked about it. He told me he is getting big air and he was so proud of himself, as I was of him too. The air isn't that big, but he is gaining confidence and that's the point of it. It reminded me of myself at his age and beyond.
My bike wasn't as good as his but I'd push the limits of it, and myself, searching for bigger and better things; I guess that was the early stages of my pursuit of success. I had many failures though.
Most of these, when on my bike, meant crashing, scrapes, cuts and bruises, lost teeth, cracked ribs and a lot of pain to my coconuts (that's my testicles for those who don't know) as they often bore the brunt of my fucken stupidity. I learned though, got better, applied more effort and would push the limits once again...oh yeah, my poor fucken coconuts.
I did the same in any sport I played: Cricket, soccer, Australian rules football, field hockey, tennis, squash, rugby and ten years of playing American football as an adult. I tried and failed, adjusted and retried. I found success too, a lot of it, especially when I was playing American football and all of it built character, a high regard for training and practice, the ability to spend hours in the gym, to eat well, to evaluate, plan and apply myself again and, of course, to interact with others and to lead. I took the same approach with my professional life, relationships and anything else I set my mind to.
I don't have my own kids, it wasn't meant to be it seems, but I look on my niece and nephew as my sort of my own and talk about their growth and development with their parents.
If @mrbonkers was my own he'd be introduced to team sports already, I believe it is important to socialise in that way, see good and bad in others and be treated in well or badly also, there's many lessons to learn there. Learning how to lose, and how to take lessons from it, evaluate performance and find a way to do better then go back and do better is an important skill best learned early. It's also good to learn how to win with grace, humility and confidence. Playing sports of any kind, competing as an individual or in a team in the arena is of vital importance to a developing mind and I'm glad to see my nephew starting to explore that.
He'll be enrolled in a BMX club soon, he's super-keen, and will learn some of the more technical aspects of the sport but more importantly will compete, in and lose, and will see different sides of human nature in himself and others. He's a great kid, kind and respectful, friendly and outgoing, so it'll be interesting to see how he goes.
These days, kids are more likely to be seen sitting for hours in dark rooms with a headset on while gaming, something I see as quite unproductive. Mine wouldn't be though and neither will my nephew. That doesn't mean he won't have exposure to technology though, just that it will be balanced, and it won't be mindless games like Fortnight or whatever fucken nutbag game people are playing these days.
The lad speaks two languages at better than five year old level, builds Lego Technic sets designed for teenagers, plays the violin, makes things out wood with saw, hammer and nails, reads and writes (he sends me letters in the mail), cooks with his mum, goes to work with his dad and learns technical and practical things, cleans his room without being asked, has a sense of humour much like mine was at his age (a cheeky one) and is sharp as a tack...he's a good kid all round and good value. I'm very proud of him and the same can be said for my niece who is developing at a very fast rate as well.
I wonder though, what's your thought on sport in respect of kids? What age should they get involved with team, fun or competitive sport and how do you feel it helps with their development? What were your experiences as a kid in respect of sport, the benefits of negatives of working towards something positive, the winning and losing and the ways in which you have personally dealt with it? Feel free to comment, I'd be happy to hear from you, and I always respond.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
[Original and AI free]
I photographed the image in this post.
If the kids are the type that likes sports get them into sports. If not you need to have specific reasons that you’re forcing them into it. Like I forced eldest to stick with gymnastics over the few times he wanted to quit because he was so damn smart gymnastics was one of the few things he struggled with and he needed to learn how to cope with struggling. There were a couple of times I was prepared to let him finally quit but then he decided not to and is now in the uppers and loves being there doing cool things.
I also forced youngest to stick with it for a bit which intensely helped his coordination issues but he did eventually quit as said coordination issues got him permanently stuck in a level and he was bored.
The big two are now heavily involved with our centre (in addition to training they’re usually helping out with events, middle child started coaching gymnastics this year and eldest is apparently going to start helping out with a parkour class). Youngest is still in the horrible don’t want to do anything but what they want phase but all of my kids went through that and grew out of it so there’s hope for him 🤣
How’s everything going for you now?
Ps Mr Bonkers sounds as awesome as ever 😆
I'm not talking about forcing kids into anything, that's the last thing I would suggest.
All good here, couldn't be better really, just living life the best I know how (which is often good enough) and getting some things done. I've straightened a few things out, put others into perspective and yet other things have been underlined...it's always good to come to understand an assessment of a person has been confirmed right?
Oh yeah, @mrbonkers is cool. You remember that army suit I sent him for his birthday, the one I posted about a little while ago, I have pictures of him in it, fits him perfectly and he loves it...wears it all the time, riding his bike, when he goes to Bunnings, Woolworths and so on with his parents. It makes me smile.
I hope you're good too...what's the weather doing over there in WA? We always get your leftovers so hopefully it's good.
That's so cool to read that he's been wearing that army suit, I had wondered. What an awesome gift.
He loves it and walks around feeling pretty cool. He's clipped on the UHF radio I gave him last year and and him and his dad communicate now and then...like in the supermarket or at the bike track. It's pretty cool. He wants to be a fighter pilot now, even learned how to play the Top Gun theme on the violin (sound horrendous, but his face when playing it is priceless.) He is one of the great joys of my life, I need some.
I can imagine him running around with code words in the supermarket aisles chatting to his dad on the UHF, cute man.
Hahaha that did make me laugh - his expression mixed with your description of his playing - we all started somewhere, right? Even you probably sounded shite when you first started the piano, yes? I'm glad he brings you so much joy, hold on to those joys (and him), they are important.
I was thinking of singing a track for Hive a while ago, before I fell ill. Turns out the universe wasn't ready for that big a portion of the population to die off suddenly 🤣 (I'm that horrendous) - You guys are all lucky she has your back.
He's much like I was at the same age, (trouble)...nah, just kidding, he's a good and very thoughtful kid. He's cute too and that army suit...I wish I could be there to play with him at this age...the kids loves me, like seriously, and I would like to capitalise on that before I become some ancient, old as fuck, uncle who smells like crown mints and moth balls.
I sounded like the shite that the shites had.
Lol crown mints and moth balls? Yes, I know what you mean, just reading that reminded me of one of my aunts from when I was about that same age 🤣
Yeh sorry it was a generic "you're" as in "everyone" not you personally x_x
Yay for getting some stuff sorted out!
Aaaaahhhh so cute I can't XD
Weather has gone from overcast to decidedly lovely :) At least by my standards, apparently some of my friends and relatives are finding it "too hot" XD
No worries, it's sometimes difficult to read the tone of a comment I guess. All good.
We have some nice weather on the way from tomorrow so thanks for sending your leftovers! 😉
I can feel love, admiration, and respect in what is written. I am sure your nephew and nieces will be glad to have you too. You may not have any kids of yours for reasons known to you, but you do have lots of them surround you as I am a kid, too, and I am here loving every piece you write.
I played football and was also a goalkeeper until the injury I got, which said goodbye to my football life. Hehe. And I did other sports too, but I didn't go deeply into them.
For sure, he's my family and a good little kid.
I wonder how many have had injuries that have stopped their sporting endeavours. A lot I'd say.
That's great.
You are right, a lot we have lots to say.
Myself included.
We all have our stories to tell.
How beautiful to read how you talk about your nephew, it is really beautiful.
He is intelligent, strong, active and will be very sociable.
I think that nowadays sport is even more important than anything else that makes children sociable. Society has changed and as you mention children are isolated and very lonely with technology, which leads to nothing good.... nothing.
I don't have children either but I believe that from a very young age, sport is good for the soul, the brain, the body and the social side.
I did sports but at school, like gymnastics, volleyball and basket ball, which is like basketball, because as I am tall... tall in the group, I worked well in defence.
But I was always more interested in art so I went to classes but with a lot of people, so although it was difficult for me to be sociable it was good. Now I'm a thousand times better haha
Sport teaches a lot about life and is of vital importance.
Hugs Galen, I hope you are better.
He's a good little lad.
Oh yeah, I forgot volleyball, I played that too...I was in the school team. I liked it...all those girls jumping around in short shorts. What's not to like?! 😇
I believe it's good for kids to have some exposure to many different things, how else will they determine what they like or do not like, although forcing a kid to do something they really do not want to continue doing isn't smart.
Oh yeah, I'm good. I'm unbreakable to be honest, so I'm always good.
That's what I'm glad to hear, that you're better, that nothing breaks you!
I'm not much of a sports fan hahaha more of an art fan.😉
Art is good, sport can be too...Life is there to be lived in the way that makes your heart sing, so as long as you're doing that you're on the right track.
I think sports are important. I didn't really play them when I was younger, but I kind of wish I had been more involved. Mostly for the hope that it would have kept me more fit. It's kind of hard when you find yourself older and behind the 8 ball in terms of fitness. If I had been committed to it my whole life, it might have made a difference. That being said, sports are tough these days. Parents and coaches don't make it easy to enjoy the game in it's purest form. There are all the other things happening these days that detract from it. I feel like every week there is a new parent fight or someone attacking officials. I don't have kids either, I'd like to think if I did they would be active and I wouldn't allow them to just sit inside all day, but it's kind of a moot point since I don't :)
I agree, it's become a little more difficult to find enjoyment in sport for some due to the parents and coaches...it's a little unfair to the kids.
It's also the PC aspect of society, not allowing kids to score games so no one gets upset...everybody wins. But, as we know, that's not the case in the real world. People lose, a lot.
Yeah, I agree with that too. I am all for everyone getting a chance, but some kinds work really hard to be able to play and some have natural talent. Just being able to play if you do/have neither shouldn't be an option.
The way it's done squashes the competitive spirit and...in the business world, later down the track, that's not a good thing. Not everybody wins in business, or the real world in general, and neither should they...but not letting kids score a game or handing everyone the same ribbon in a running grace? Bonkers.
I agree! That would drive me crazy if I were a parent.
I don't think I'd handle it too well; I think I'd want to home school, but that doesn't change the fact this situation is widespread throughout the remainder of society. Mediocrity is the new black.
Home schooling needs to be done right for it to work. These co op home schools have a good premise where kids still get social interaction and things like that. I work for a public school and we get vilified for things that are beyond our control. It's been close to twenty years and parents haven't gotten any less nuts.
I really enjoyed reading the whole write up. I must say that you people are really blessed, having such kids. I was just amazed after reading the list of things he does at this age. Otherwise children at this age don't want anything else but a mobile phone.
Same is the case with my small cousins, they are really addicted to mobile phones. Even I myself is going through the same condition but my Mother is a really strict person in this regard, em not allowed to use mobile phone in front of her unless it is something necessary.
By the way I can imagine how interesting chat you had with your cute nephew.
You talking about pain to coconuts? Man, I literally cracked them while playing cricket. I wasn't wearing a guard and the bowl (that damn cricket ball) hit there. Ahh! I can feel that now. I was in an unconscious state for a time. I have tried other sports but cricket is the one I play mostly.
Regards.
Most kids get a screen thrust in front of them but my brother's do not do that with @smallsteps and @mrbonkers, they have a more balanced set of activities.
You've had a coconut cracking from a cricket ball? I've had the same and it's never a good thing. Still, pain fades and we go back for more. I played cricket back in the day, these days it's only on the beach or at a picnic with mates and nothing serius...in fact, the complete opposite of serious. I was ok at it, but not great. I actually went to primary and high school with a chap who eventually played for (and later coached) the Australian cricket team. I hit that fucker for six once, but other than that time he was way better than me.
Your brother is doing a really good job as a parent. Much appreciated.
Oh, that's nice to know that your friend played in Australian cricket team. Can I know his name? Because I actually have much interest in cricket and I can guess when you said you once hit him a six, he is a bowler.
Darren Lehmann. He was more known for batting but was a reasonable left-arm orthodox spinner as well.
Yup, I have heard of him.
Figured you might.
I think that from an early age children should do some sport that involves socializing (Since they start going to school). However, the child may not like the sport and can not be forced, but perhaps another activity such as music or I do not know ... a laboratory to do experiments with other children, or in an explorer camp... something that takes him out of the room and video games. I love everything you've told about your nephew. I believe that today's children may be smarter but they are also in danger of getting stuck in their own thoughts, if they are not dosed with access to technology, especially video games. This thing about your nephew having his bike and signing up for the BMX club is great.
I like that perfume. I like to wear men's perfumes.
My nephew is a legit little kid and I think is on the right trajectory to becoming a decent adult; he has good role models, is exposed to many different things (as explained in this post) and has a good character and nature.
That's one of the colognes I wear, it's pretty legit although a bit old-school I guess. I like it though, as do those around me who get close enough to catch the scent and that's what matters I suppose. Now, tell me about this wearing of men's scents that you spoke of. What's that about?
because women's perfumes are cloying, very sweet and gnashing. I do not like.
I get it.
Wow, Mrbonkers sounds like a really cool kid. He's doing a lot of things at the same time and seems to be excelling in a lot of them. At five years old, I don't think it's too bad that he's not in a team activity yet. He's being active as it is, and he join one eventually. It is important for them to be social, so joining a BMX club is already good.
He's super-cool and a really great kid, I'm proud of him as I am of @smallsteps, my niece. I'm a very proud uncle.
He'll be pushing the limits on that bike soon, he's already working out how to get it off the ground and I think, *he's got a lot of cuts and bruises coming his way soon...I think it's great, it's exactly what I did when I was his age and I learned many lessons...some took longer than others though. (And were more painful)
That's awesome. I just hope he wears all safety gears [helmet, elbow and knee pads]. Maybe you can teach him a thing or two once you visit haha
OH yeah, he's got all the gear...not like me back in the day...I had sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt. That was it. 😆
I loved your description of your nephews. I can tell you know him well and love him very much. What is it about nephews that they change our moods so easily. We don't have children either, so we enjoy our nephews very much. By the way, I don't like to say "her nephews" or "my nephews". It's something I hear a lot. But I don't agree with it. They will call both her and me "uncle". So they are "our nieces and nephews."
I like the idea of getting them involved in the sport. Good thing your nephew is like that. In our case, I remember some who got them involved in baseball, and they were doing very well, it helped them work as a team, handle disappointments, and try to get along with others. Of course, everything must be well supervised. They weren't the best, but at least they were able to occupy themselves with something in the afternoons.
That aspect I see as super-important, and even more so coming out of a general quarantine that broke the ties that many children and young people had with their friends. We already know that the experience of these years has altered the ability to socialize in person. Technology had already made its presence felt in infants, and with the quarantine it gained prominence.
In my case, I did not have that joy. I didn't have the opportunity to be involved in sports in the area where I lived. Except for the improvised games in the street when some of us neighbors got together. But I think I would allow my children to do so as long as they know who they are interacting with.
Kudos to parents, like your brother, who make an effort to balance the kids' time. And to the uncles who seek to be present in their lives. Greetings @galenkp
My niece and nephew are very important to me.
With sport, it's the participation that counts, the interactions and lessons the kids learn that help shape/prepare them for the the future. It's a pity you didn't have the opportunity to get involved in organised sports as a kid although you seem o have turned out really well so maybe you got the same sort of lessons elsewhere. Good work!
Right, I had the opportunity to develop them elsewhere, although I wasn't the best at it, by the way 🤣. I hope you have a happy day @galenkp
Thanks mate, I hope you have a good day too...not far from the end of the week now...Friday tomorrow and then the weekend! 🙂
I'm not sure if you ever read this, but I've been reading your post for a while... And in many ways you've inspired me to post my very first one in this niche. Thank you!! @galenkp
I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and also for coming by and letting me know. I also feel happy that I've been of some form of inspiration to you. All the best with your post.
Thanks, man! I'm excited to be here.
✅
It’s great to see the progress of the little tacker and how he’s similar to my son but also different in his own ways, as my son is in his. They are relatively close in age, with mine being a bit older.
They certainly do things at their own pace and excel where they can which is great. Lego is such a crucial building block for their brains and it’s great to see their creativity come to life when they’re building them and playing with them. Biking is a great one! I like the high speed nature of it, when they do it early it improves their reaction times over others who don’t do that type of stuff and instead play video games (which I recently saw that does have cognitive benefits for reaction times and awareness but that’s mainly related to first person shooter types) instead.
I think there’s a number of benefits of all these things and team sports is another good one. The challenge is the commitment for us, to be on the schedule of practice and games. That does also teach consistency and routine though which I know is an important thing to have.
Lego is such a great teacher, and fun too.
My nephew will be doing some first-person shooting, but not on a TV screen, I mean in real life as I begin to get him onto my guns.
Yeah my son has asked me a few times about mine but it’s still too early. We are going to get him a BB gun for Christmas potentially and start there. My neighbor is a cop and loves my son and said he will take him under his wing for shooting when he gets older.
There's a right time.
Most cops don't know how to shoot...hopefully your neighbour does. Lol.
It sounds like you picked the perfect way to distract yourself from your surprise hiccup. The perfect cure I'm thinking.
Sorry about the unhappy surprise. Hope everything is on the fast mend now.
Life is a mix of ups and downs I guess, finding some balance seems the best way to go. Thank you.