Esther has been sad a lot lately. If you know Esther like we know Esther – you know she is not our sad child. She is usually the one skipping down the sidewalk, making up songs along the way, while taking notice of the pretty flowers near the path.
Esther giggles a lot and likes pretty things. She’s innocent to a fault and just wants everyone to like her.
And now Esther is struggling physically. We find her in tears because she is now always ‘it’ if the neighborhood kids are playing tag because once she is tagged there is no way she can catch and tag anyone else. She is the slowest runner. Even slower than the littler kids.
She cannot ride her bike. I don’t even think she wants to ride her bike. And we have tried everything and it’s just tears. She can’t figure out how to glide on her scooter. She’s been trying now for four years and she just cannot get it. She cannot do the monkey bars or tricks on the swing. She cannot go upside down on the rings. Her latest heartbreak is not being about to do a cartwheel. Not even close. I’ve been working with her intensely for 3 weeks and she’s shown no progress. (Also just because you are 43 and you CAN still do cartwheels, front walk-overs, round-offs, and back bends doesn’t mean you SHOULD do them – someone bring this lady some ice STAT!)
This is hard when you are seven and what do seven year old girls do – cartwheel after cartwheel after cartwheel.
She’s stopped playing with kids at recess because she cannot keep up with their physical games. She’s made no good friends this year at school because she doesn’t play with anyone because she just can’t. And they don’t want to do the ‘boring’ stuff that she does.
She’s been crying a lot lately. My heart breaks for her struggle.
And yes we’ve made a doctor appointment to see if something is really wrong or maybe she will just never be a very coordinated kid.
I just don’t want her to feel left out just because there are so many things that she can’t seem to do.
There’s nothing worse than feeling left out when you’re seven or unfollowed when you’re 43.
In the meantime we need her to focus on what she can do. She can tell funny jokes and draw great pictures. She can make-up amazing songs and now she can ride a motorcycle.
She can ride it quite well. And there’s pretty much nothing cuter than a little girl with blond curls zipping by on a motorcycle.
*******
Leggings by Matilda Jane
Dress from Lemon Loves Lime
Cardigan from Target
Beauty – all her own
I think riding a motorcycle is pretty cool!!
Poor Esther – I was terrible at everything when I was a kid when it came to physical activity (you know I only learned to ride a bike when I was THIRTEEN). It didn’t help that my asthma held me back a lot too. But I was good at a lot of other things – like play the piano, read and dance to Abba.
Kisses for Esther from a perfectly functioning 35 year old, who have never done a cartwheel.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..The Quilt
Now I have to teach you to do a cartwheel too? Now that would be fun! xo
Poor little girl! I was not great at this stuff when I was a kid either–it took until I was in my late 20s to discover athletic pursuits that I enjoyed and that were not competitive. (Hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, FTR.) She will find something she likes and is good at! But right now that probably feels to her like it will never happen.
The motorcycle pic is too adorable for words.
Jadzia@Toddlerisms recently posted..The Zinedine Zidane Of the Maternelle
You go girl! A girl on a motorcycle is so much cooler than all the other girly things she is struggling with. I have been one of those girls who was different, I didn’t like sitting around putting on makeup or playing dress up. I ride horses now and that is MY thing! She can do so much more on a motorcycle
Being different and unique is remarkable – Fitting in is forgettable!
She is a beautiful little girl! I read a lot of articles from a friend of mine on supporting children and their differences. You might find some support there as a parent as well – By the way, you are doing a great job! You should applaud yourself for not trying to force her to fit in. Celebrate her differences and help her to be proud of them as well – http://signewhitson.com/2012/04/real-girls-arent-perfect-perfect-girls-arent-real/
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Thank you so much for this comment, Shannon. Truly. (And the link) xo
when we played duck duck goose when I was a kid I always picks this chubby boy John, because I knew he ran slower than me…
and I hated PE and all that to…I would much rather be playing with my Barbies or reading….
but really? motorcycles rule…she’s got to be the coolest kid on the block now
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..Hashbrains Rule!
Ohmyhell she hates PE. So much.
ah…babygirl.
I feel your pain, as we’ve gone through this same thing with our not-quite seven year old.
How adorable she is though!
She looks pretty darn cute on that bike, and I hope she loves it!
xxoo
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I never could do a cartwheel either, and was pretty much Esther at that age. But I would have LOVED a motorcycle! I think there are actually a lot of girls who aren’t athletic but are amazing at other things, love that you recognize that and focus on those good things. FYI-perhaps she needs to start being a dirt bike girl! I love the kid’s races, with the little girls with their curls peeking out of their helmets as they whip by on their dirt bikes.
maybaby recently posted..recipe box Wednesday
This hurts my heart to read. I feel for you and Esther. I worry about the same things with Jasper because similarly, he’s not the fastest or most coordinated kid. There are some things that he can do well but running, not so much (lots of tripping over feet and scraped knees). He watches other kids and his younger cousins do monkey bars and his face and whole body falls. He won’t even give it a try. So yes, we too are focusing on the things that he does well.
Plus, who needs to ride a bike when you can ride a motorcycle! She looks adorable!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..5 Life Lessons I Learned From Surfing
I know, right – damn pedals just get in the way anyway – let’s all just ride motorcycles. xo
Oh my goodness. Someone unfollowed you?
Who?
Seriously. I’ll kick her ass.
p.s. Sorry. I’m just too choked up to comment about Esther. She’s precious. And you are the best mama ever.
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me gone
I love your Esther. Tell her to never change.
Michelle L. recently posted..Easter light
That is too flippin’ cute!!! How fast does it go?
Ann recently posted..Simple Woman’s Daybook, April 9, 2012
God that’s awesome. I hope that when Esther grows up she understands that she’s awesome too, and how many adults can relate to her – and how being a sweet kid is so much more important than being a coordinated kid. I think all of our hearts go out to Esther, not just because she’s struggling, and not in pity, but now we all just totally want Esther to triumph. Look how cute she is.
My little brother is about to lose the ability to walk and for years and years, since he was about 5 he hasn’t been able to do what other kids do. He can’t ride a bike, he can’t go to school dances. He has muscular dystrophy. And he is one of the nicest kids in the whole world, and everyone loves him and knows he will triumph too.
Pish Posh recently posted..K is for Kazoo and Week 6 of the Get Fit! Challenge
I love you for this. Being a sweet adult is about the most important thing too. xo
Poor little dear.
And I can relate. I was a very uncoordinated child and still am as an adult. It’s hard not being able to do the physical things but she will find her stride… telling funny stories will come in handy someday.
Jen recently posted..Hello, My Name Is…
HHmmm..maybe I need to have her start a humor blog…
A seven year old humor writer… I can see the headlines now!
Jen recently posted..Hello, My Name Is…
Hugs to Esther. That was me too and my daughter. It changed for me when I joined the swim team. So that is what I did with my daughter. I found a low key, non-competitive summer swim team and she loves it. Don’t think you have to be a good swimmer to be on that kind of team. All the kids are just learning. What a handsome bike she is on!!!
The low-key non-competitive environment..right up our alley for sure. xo
I can’t think of much that is cuter than her on that motorcycle, seriously. I applaud you for continuing to work with her, shoring her up, while still concentrating on helping her remember what she IS good at. Maybe you’re right; maybe the coordination will never come. Maybe it will and then she’ll be all no, YOU’RE IT, I CAUGHT YOU but now I’m done playing with you heifers b/c you are way too easy to catch. I’m paraphrasing.
And I know it hurts to see her hurting. But you know what, I felt so warm after reading this, so sure that she feels more understanding and love and support and comfort than she feels sad about any drawbacks that I know she’ll be fine. You will too.
Arnebya recently posted..Wordful Wednesday: Every Year, Y’all
Oh poor Esther, and Mama. My heart aches for you both.
PS. If I could doubly follow you, I would.
christine recently posted..Today
You are too sweet. I needed that extra one today. xo
Every mother’s heart aches with their child, and I am sorry for Esther’s recent struggles. Spending time focusing on her positives is great. And I LOVE her style- that outfit is adorable. Stopping by from Small Style today. Have a good day!
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Thank you Annie for your kind words and for stopping by today. xo
That breaks my heart. I’m sorry that she’s having such a hard time. I can’t imagine that all the kids love to play outside. Hopefully she can find her group of kids who would rather draw, or act out a story than throw around a ball.
Marta recently posted..Easter. Uncensored.
Aww. Bridge hasn’t figured out her bike yet either. But I won’t be telling her a thing about a motorcycle.
Maybe she’s just a late bloomer in those things but for sure she has plenty of other talents that may not be “it” now but may be later. Who knows.
Paulettle recently posted..The Goat Man – a night of mischief and mayhem
Cutest motorcycle rider EVER.
Hoping nothing is ‘really’ wrong and that she can find her stride soon, and if not, it’s okay, but I know it’s hard for you both… xoxo
Elaine recently posted..The Egg Scramble
She is so cute riding that motorcycle!
Oh poor baby. This makes me so sad, not the motorcycle part, but the having friends and doing cartwheels and running part. I’ve never been very coordinated or athletic either. It really sucks to always get picked last.
Jennifer recently posted..Cultural Differences
Awe…this really hits home for us too! My daughter is the same age and right now the “thing to do” is to stand on these parallel like bars at school and do cheers and turn flips on the bars…Emma can’t even climb up on the bars to sit on them, much less….stand, flip, cheer. It hurts me more than it hurts her…but she definitely feels left out and I fear it is only going to get worse in our case
If it’s any consolation….I bet she will be the best mommy/baker/crafter/etc when she gets older and that is the new standard of “it”. Cartwheels don’t mean much in your 30′s up….
Exactly. Love this so much. xo
My heart is sad for Esther, but it is hopeful and knows she will be ok. You and her dad and her sisters are going to make sure she knows how special and wonderful and perfect she is, even if she can’t do certain things or takes longer to do them.
(And an unfollow??? Grrrrr. They obviously didn’t know you could still rock the front walk-over.)
angela recently posted..Treadmill Interval Training Tips
Oh sweet Tracy, my heart is breaking for you. I’m not sure there’s anything more painful than watching your child struggle or fall behind. But she couldn’t be in more loving hands. I trust you’ll know exactly what to do for her, with her. And what kid isn’t going to think she’s the coolest thing ever, zipping by on her bike? Darling.
Cath recently posted..The Tree with the Lights in It
Yes, she is a beautiful, beautiful child.
BUt I came here HOPING it’d be YOU AS THE HOT Motorcycle moll.
That’s what I want to see: you all geared up ‘n ready to raaaahde.
Alexandra recently posted..April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
lol – I need to get some new leathers. And a new tattoo I think. xo
Also: I’m from the school of hard knocks.
That which doesn’t kill us makes us funny.
(why I’m a humor blogger)
Alexandra recently posted..April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
…and that goes for both you and Esther.
xo
(If you can laugh at it, you can live with it)
Alexandra recently posted..April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
May I steal that line? xo You have no idea how much I needed that today. Just when I thought things could not get worth. Worse than a pack of wolves. xo
I so enjoy your blog – the humor as well as the personal struggles. It’s hard to see our children feeling bad about themselves. You could try talking to her phy ed teacher. She may have some gross-motor issues that could easily be addressed with some specific practice or strengthening exercises. It’s worth a conversation. (Sorry if someone already suggested this – I don’t have time to read all the comments right now)
Thank you! I think that is a very good suggestion actually. xo
She’s adorable.
(And my heart is breaking for her. I’m squeezing her tight from here.)
xo
Galit Breen recently posted..First Day, Last Day
omigosh! She can ride a motorcycle? That is the coolest and those kids at school should be falling over themselves to play with her.
This makes my heart hurt for both of you. My son is 6 1/2 and still has not mastered his bike without the training wheels (nor had I at that age) and certainly lacks some coordination (ditto) but he is a smart, loving kid who will be an amazing grown-up someday, just like Esther is and will be.
Props to you for being there for Esther and for not pushing her to be someone and something she is not.
First of all, my heart breaks. Second of all, honestly – there IS nothing cuter than a blond chick on a motorcycle. Way to save the day, Mom.
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