Jane, that just made me smile. I, too, have great Costa Rica soccer memories that are similar except “my kids” at that time were my students. Dropping into games was one of our favorite afternoon activities on the trip (the same happened in the Amazon as well) and we had some serious soccer stars with us. Soccer is an incredible universal language.

My kids are still little, but I already know that the memories are in the adventures we create together through hikes, camping trips and sailing adventures.

Thank you for sharing this post with us and our readers. It is an incredibly important reminder. -Val

Hi Kathy – You might surprise yourself and really enjoy the adventure. Family hikes, active vacations and sporting events are a staple in our family. Great bonding time as well as life lessons. My favorite memory is when my daughters asked to play in a local pick-up soccer game on a beach in Costa Rica. The players were all guys (with a smattering of girls watching) and skeptical at first but once the girls demonstrated their skills they gained the respect of everyone at the beach. Just one of many proud moments.

You make so many amazing points in your piece. I love your idea of intentionally exposing our daughters to women athletes as a way of showing them how they can push themselves to be stronger in their own lives. As I was reading your post I realized that not being that sport minded myself I have really relegated that role to my husband and though there is nothing wrong with a girl sharing sports with her dad my daughter needs to see me engaged in it as well. It will be great for both of us!! Thanks so much!!