I recently started my two children in their first tennis lessons. It is a six week program. On the past few Saturdays, I drove the kids to a local city college’s tennis courts to meet their group and instructors.

Yesterday, as with most Saturdays, I joined a small group of other Moms on the bleachers by the shade to chit chat while observing our children’s lessons. I observed that each of my children would walk up the line very confidently during their turn and take an unusually strong swing at the oncoming ball–only to miss the ball entirely! I can vaguely hear their instructors telling them to slow the swing down a bit, and try to just hit the ball first. Other children do seem to take a more hesitant and slow swing at the ball, but they usually can manage to meet the ball with their racket.

On the drive back home. I heard my two children discussing their lesson.

“I am actually very bad at tennis.” said my baby, the 6 year old.

“Me too!” 9 year old.

“I thought I would be really good at it.” said the baby.

“Why?” Myself and my 9 year old asked almost simultaneously.

“I am so good at wii tennis! Remember I can get to first place?!”