Lessons learned at the ballpark - pt 2

I already covered what life lessons my 5 year old son is learning by playing little league t-ball.  One night while we were out watching one of his older sisters play another lesson struck me and made me start thinking about other things that are being gained by just BEING at the ballpark.

First I need to start with a funny story.

I usually always have a small amount of cash on me when we go to a game.  I have lots of kids and some nights are really long and I have to buy snacks and/or drinks to keep some of them entertained.  On this particular night, I had no money.  Not even any change in my pocket.  We were watching my oldest daughter play.  My husband helps at her games so he is in the dugout with the coaches and team.  My little 5 year old kept coming up and telling me he was hungry.  Sorry, no money, go ask your dad.  He finally goes and tells daddy that he would like a ring pop.  Daddy asks how much one costs.  Johnny tells him to just give him a dollar.  Daddy sends him to me to find out how much a ring pop costs.  Johnny relays the info back that they cost 50 cents.  Daddy gives him 2 quarters.  Later, daddy informs me that the little man was trying to hustle him for a dollar.

Maybe I am in the minority, but I let my young son go to the concession stand by himself.  This is one of the lessons both him and his 8 year old sister have learned.  They can both go up and order what they would like and pay for it.  Johnny knows if he gives the lady a dollar for a ring pop, he should get 2 quarters back and that those 2 quarters are enough to buy his baby sister a capri sun.

So other lessons learned include the value of a dollar, and being able to speak up for their selves.  And patience.  They have learned lots of patience and that there are other people that are just as important as they are.  They have learned to cheer on and support their siblings in their endeavors.  They have learned to make friends with other younger siblings.  And they have learned when momma says it is time to go, she is leaving if you are ready or not and you better hurry or you will be left.