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The fresh air under the tree was so cool. But every step I took wasn't motivating. Sometimes, we strive to be the best as parents, but circumstances make us question whether we're trying at all.

My son, Ejiro, had been doing his best to get into the finals of the volleyball competition, but his team always got defeated. He would come back late. He went to school late and returned even later. It wasn’t like this in the beginning. Now, his teacher complains about his absent-mindedness during school activities.

One evening, overwhelmed, he stayed at the volleyball court till 5 p.m. I went straight to the court, and I was really annoyed. I told him to get himself together. Out of frustration, I said, “A single person doesn't make a team. It's better to call your team together for effective training than to build yourself up without involving others.” I remembered his last game — it was as if he was the only volleyball player on the court. I added, “A single drop of water doesn’t make an ocean.”

He was astonished by what I said. From the smile on his face, you could tell the words were new to him. It was as if I had ignited a long-dormant part of him. He came to me, weeping and smiling at the same time. “Thank you, Mum! I love you, Mum!”

He was really happy. Later, we went home and had a nice dinner. He slept well — for the first time in a while, he seemed truly relaxed. The next morning, he woke up, had his breakfast, and headed out to school.

At school, he called his teammates and taught them special tricks. They practiced all day. He came home that evening excited, narrating everything that had happened. “Mum! I did this and that!”

We discussed his assignments and other things. Soon, the day of the competition came. He was fidgeting and tired. He was afraid and couldn’t focus, even though it was the same team that had won the last finals. He began to lose hope, feeling like he hadn’t done enough.

But everything changed after I reminded him, “You are the leader and captain of your team.” It was as if his entire hypothalamo-pituitary axis got activated to secrete adrenaline — all for volleyball!

When the competition began, Ejiro was calling out codes and formations. I, for the first time, heard a formation called “Make the Dog Laugh,” which somehow earned them a point. As the game neared its end, my boy had confidence radiating from him. He knew they had won — with a 10-point difference!

When the competition was called off, his team lifted Ejiro up like a hero 😁. Ejiro was really happy that his team had finally won. He was flabbergasted! They screamed " Ejiro made the dog laugh". 

Ejiro wasn't a loser — he won because he pulled everyone together. He *taught* his team, and together they won. When Ejiro's name was mentioned, everyone knew he was the one holding the team together. He was a true leader, and he received special recognition. He was awarded a scholarship to study at a school equipped with excellent sports facilities.

When we met after the event, he prostrated himself as if he had met his savior. “Mummy, thank you,” he said. “You were the pillar of this victory.”

**Emotional intelligence is very, very important as a parent.** That was the thought that came to my mind. I should know when to come in. I should know the best response. Ejiro interpreted my words correctly. 

The next day, he left home with a swag in his step, but I reminded him, “You still have a lot to read when you get back.” He smiled. No problem mummy - he said.

When he got to school, his name was called out during the assembly by the principal — in front of everyone — to be honored.
He was an example to all students who do not believe in sports and other activities.  

So, you see, those little efforts we make — when put together — can truly make a difference. I thought that I was on mute, however my voice was heard. 
Ejiro thank you.

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