Not even because the coach said to. She ASKED. We did drills in the driveway for 30 mins and she was so focused. Totally different energy than when I suggest stuff. Now she's asking if we can do it again tomorrow. Might finally understand what people mean when they say 'intrinsic motivation' lol. Also my legs are sore
That "she asked" part is everything. So many parents don't realize the difference between pushing and supporting. You just became her soccer dad instead of her dad who makes her do soccer. Night and day.
Okay but how are you going to handle it if she loses interest after the tournament? Because the intrinsic motivation thing can flip fast and then she might feel like she let you down if she stops asking. Just mentally prepare for that maybe?
The 30 mins of focused practice is also insane for an 8yo. That's the attention span of someone actually interested, not just obligated. Ride this until the tournament and then she'll probably cool down after, but enjoy the moment.
The trophy made out of paper and tape is peak 8yo confidence energy. You have to keep that thing forever now, tournament placement notwithstanding.
This is genuinely the move. Intrinsic motivation is the whole thing and when a kid ASKS instead of you suggesting, something shifted. Ride this wave—tomorrow she probably will ask again and it gets easier from here.
Do you know what actually triggered her to ask? Like did she lose a game and decide to train or was it just random? Because understanding her motivation helps you keep her engaged.
The 'she asked' part is everything. Keep showing up for those driveway sessions. That's the stuff she'll remember.
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That intrinsic motivation thing is real. When they WANT to do it they actually try instead of just tolerating your coaching. She sounds like she's got competitive fire if she's asking to practice. Feed that.