Larkinsmom, you get right to the heart of the issue by pointing out the most important aspect of your son's involvement in sports: "as long as HE is happy." And we have to help our kids be OK with what happy feels like inside, rather than what it looks like outside (in other words, "happy" doesn't necessarily mean being the star, or winning, or making your parents happy). I love hearing that sports brought you and your ex into more friendly territory, too. And finally, I'd love for my girls to meet Larkin some time, with a soccer ball handy or not. :)