By Jeanni Ritchie

Having been cooped up inside all week-end, I went in search of other kids to play with. My Peter Pan syndrome is permanent; I seek no treatment.

 

Facebook notifications are great for community events and I had no shortage to choose from.

 

A Mardi Gras stunt clinic seemed like a perfect start.

 

Addy Scarborough, 9, cheered me on as I attempted a lib on the stunt stand during a session break.

 

“Oh, you’re doing good!” Her shock surprised me; I apparently don’t see the age in the mirror the children do. Still they indulge me. They know our mentalities match.

 

Joined by Lai’ah White, 9, and Ja’myah Morris, also 9, the trio stuck several poses for me.

 

The next session started with stretching. I knew I had to join the girls when Coach Breanna explained the benefits of elasticizing your hip flexors. Several snickers in at my less-than-limber attempts, I decided my perch on the chair might be less distracting.

 

The girls jumped and herkied and toe touched til I was exhausted just watching! They stunted and stuck it over and over.

 

Sadie McKee, 8, was a standout. She’d moved here from Yukon, Oklahoma last year. She joined the cheer competition squad shortly after moving.

 

Joining clubs and teams are vital for connections and our children benefit from learning these lessons early in life. The pain of isolation isn’t a factor when you get involved with others.

 

Sadie learned that lesson here at Xtreme.

 

“I made many new friends here.”

 

That wasn’t a throwaway statement. My teaching years made me acutely aware of the psychological damage caused when children feel secluded from the rest of society. She bonded with other girls her age over a shared interest at a crucial time in her life.

 

It’s a lesson we should all learn!

Pictured: Sadie McKee does a bow and arrow at the Xtreme Athletics Mardi Gras Stunt Clinic Monday.