4 Friday, April 27, 2018 brooklintowncrier.com It's hockey tryout season. For many families, this is a stressful time. Kids are on edge; emotions are tense. As parents, our job is to manage expectations…both ours and theirs. Being cut is not fun, but it is part of rep sports. I don't envy the coaches. How do you tell a kid who loves to play and tries their best that they didn't make the team? There are only so many spots so some deserving players are going to be disappointed. If your kid gets "released," they will be hurting, especially if they've worked hard to get on a team or their friends have been selected. So how can you help? Learning to cope Give your child the chance to work through the disappointment rather than rushing to make them happy. This allows them to build coping skills. Listen carefully to what your child has to say and try to understand exactly what happened to them from their perspective. Remember, your child is reporting from a very emotional place. Empathy is the main thing a child needs from you now, not a play-by- play of what they could have done better. I know this goes without saying, but don't get upset with them because they were cut. It's important to focus on the positive. Praise their effort and "soft" skills like working hard and listening to the coaches. Point out their strengths and encourage them to tell you what they think they did well. Let them know they will still be playing their sport in the future. In the meantime, research the next level of play available to your child. Sure, it may be house league but he or she may even be happier at that level. Consider the merits of the lower level such as a more reasonable time commitment, less competitive pressure, and more time to play with friends or try a new activity or sport. Set new goals Resist the urge to promise, "You'll make it next year." You can't guarantee that. But you can promise to help your child set goals if your child shows an inner drive and desire to improve. What they need from you is your love, support and help refocusing their efforts. When they are ready, look into other leagues and skill sessions or camps they might enjoy. It's important to keep it in perspective. The best part of any sport experience is the friends. Being involved in sports can help kids develop social skills, learn the value of teamwork, and build character through wins and losses. These lessons can happen whether it's rep or recreation. In 10 or 15 years, these kids will all be playing together in a "fun" league, and all those rep levels won't matter one bit. Mom and D: don't wait up for those online roster postings. The same information will be there in the morning. When everyone is well-rested and emotions have subsided, you are all better equipped to handle the news, be it good or bad. And kids, if you get cut, remember there will always be a team that needs you! Go find it! When your child gets cut from the team Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown Community Calendar Fri., April 27: 4:00 - 5:00 pm (4th Friday of each month) Teen Leadership Council at Brooklin Library Whitby Library's Brooklin Branch seeks Teen Leadership Council members to share ideas & assist with special events and programs. Grade 9-12 students earn community service hours. Snacks provided. No registration required. For information, email teenservices@whitbylibrary.ca. Mon., April 30 - Fri., May 4: St. Bridget Catholic School's "Madagascar Jr" Show at 6:30 pm Tickets available at the door or from the school Sun., May 6: 11 am - 1 pm: Bryson Blooms At 10 Roebuck, in front of Bryson Insurance A community celebration feature music, animals from Windreach Farm, popcorn, Rapunzel & Spiderman, colouring stations, and more 12 pm unveiling of newly adopted as part of Whitby's Adopt-a-Park program. Visit Facebook and say you're *going*: facebook.com/events/162771337649054/ Sun., May 6: 7 pm: Brooklin Pub Quiz Night $15 per person for a team of 4-8 but teams of 6 are best. Team gets a platter of wings and fries and a mug of beer. Winning team receives $10 gift certificate per person for Brooklin Pub. All proceeds to Pulmonary Hypertension of Canada. Hints: 1. Purlicue 2. Constellation Hydra Fri., May 11: 7 pm: Brooklin United Church Charity Auction Gift baskets, tickets to attractions, golf passes, baking, maple syrup, quilts, and more. Viewing from 6 pm. Auction at 7 pm. Sales will be by live and silent auction. Information: 905-655-4141 Sun., May 27: 10 am: Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides Sponsored by BAM Lions Club Begins in front of Pet Valu store at 9:30 am Sponsor through walkfordogguides.com Contact Stephen Colcleugh at 905-655-0088 Email: stephen.colcleugh@nexusisp.com Sat., June 16: 10 am - 2 pm : Nova's Ark 8th Annual Friendship Walk From Grass Park, a 3 km walk led by Bing the Camel Afterwards, music by Workin' Dawgs and BBQ by Starr Burger Also, face painting and interaction with therapy animals To register, visit novasark.ca or email: friendshipwalk.novasark@bell.net French Family Storytime: Children and their caregivers can join Madame Sue for weekly French Family Storytime! A half hour of French stories and songs, with a dash of English! Drop in at Central Library's Children's Program Room Tuesdays: 7:25 pm: Brooklin Toastmasters Club Practice public speaking at Brooklin Community Centre & Library. Contact John Johnstone at jajhj@sympatico.ca or phone 905-683-4439 or Patricia Romano at promano257@outlook.com or phone 905-626-7055. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays Community Care Durham (CCD) Basic Foot Care at St. Thomas' Anglican Church. 905-668-6779 Mon.-Fri. CCD delivers hot or frozen meals. To order: Karen Andrews 905-668-6779 If you have a community not-for-profit event you would like included in the calendar, please email it to editorofBTC@gmail.com with the subject line "calendar." Priority will be given to Brooklin events. Some editing may occur. The Song Spot, Brooklin's Music School, competed recently at the Oshawa/Whitby Kiwanis Music Fes- tival, receiving six first place awards. Two of the voclists, Renee Bolshan,13, and Jessica Docherty, 12, who'd earlier won first place prizes, were also selected by the adjudicator to participate in the Rosebowl Singing Playoffs with other first place students. Renee was selected for classical voice and Jessica for musical theatre. Jessica, who competed across all age groups including those up to age 18, won the finals competition, receiving the $200 Cy and Rita Powell Musical Theatre Scholarship. Song Spot Vocalists Sing Their Way To Awards Jessica Docherty (left) and Song Spot owner Andrea Akers