I’m at a swimming competition trip with Sofia. Technically I’m not with her as I’m not staying with her at the hotel. She moves around and does everything with her team. I just show up during competition time. This distance is actually good because she gets to spend more time with her team mates who are super nice and friendly to her, all Brazilians. It also gives her the independence that she enjoys. While still be there for her moments to celebrate or just be there when she needs a hug.
This morning when we were waiting for her turn to compete I asked her if she brought Kumon sheet to do, she said yes she brought but doesn’t want to do it now. Her tone was not angry, but firm. I bite my tongue and didn’t say more.
At first I could be mad at her not managing her time well and will have to catch up after the trip. But then my feeling started to shift, I felt celebrating her firm-no. This is what I want her to do/say to others when they demand what she doesn’t want to do.
She had two events, 50 back, and 100 mixed medley where she did free (last one). She did ok, not her best day, but the team still won a silver. Their team mates showed no resentment as they were winning before the last stroke. I truly love the team spirit and good heart of these kids.
It has been less than 1 year since she joined this team. Slowly she’s making friends, start to feel belonging and identifying with the family culture of this team, while improving her technique.
As an observer, I admire the hard work and camaraderie of these kids. I’m grateful for my girls to experience it as I didn’t have the chance. No matter what they do with it, it’s a skill and experience that will likely serve them for life.
I stayed at an Airbnb this time as the hotel the team stay is not great (I stayed there with Lizzy last year when we came for her age group competition). I also got to choose what I eat instead of eating with the group. I found a vegan restaurant by Chinese near by and this lunch was super tasty and nourishing.
It’s midday break time, I plan to read a bit more, take a nap before meeting Sofia and her team at the club in few hours for evening events.
Our New Journey 
Sofia is a very determined young lady, I like her! 😊
It must have taken some restraint to bite your tongue about her pushback on the Kumon sheet, but you are so right to celebrate her firm “no”. That kind of confidence will serve her well far beyond swimming or school. It’s also lovely to see how she’s finding her place with the team and enjoying that sense of belonging.
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I’m on Sofia’s side on this one… she’s at an away swim meet with her team! I wouldn’t expect any kid to be doing optional homework in between swim events, lol. My kids wouldn’t have even brought it along…. ha. There is a 0% chance they would have been doing work there. Which I personally would support, so they could just enjoy the time and focus on the swim meet! 🙂 I’m so glad she’s found a happy place on a swim team! Yay!! Love it.
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Yes, I’m só glad she finds swimming a happy place to relax and unwind after academic pursues. And the kids are just so nice.
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I love this. Being on the swim team is so good for Sofia- there’s so much value in it for her. And I love the “firm no” on the Kumon sheet!!! She’s definitely growing up.
Sounds like a really nice getaway for you- you get to see the kids compete but also do your own thing. And Sofia gets some independence. It’s perfect for everyone.
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I’m glad Sofia is loving swimming and meeting great friends. I feel like sports like swimming and cross country have the nicest kids! It’s good to follow her lead on things like the Kumon homework.
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