8/yr old son sounds like he wants to quit...how do I deal with it?
My oldest in AA turns 9 in July and just kinda fizzled out in effort and energy the last two weeks of the season. Loves to play with his friends and was carrying our 1st place team at SS, 1B, #2 pitcher...and now saying he doesn't want to play AAA next year seemingly because of all the "practices" it comes with. "I just want to come home and chill." He said he wants to do fall ball (no practices). Wife and I don't want to force him but told him "your also not gonna sit at home and chill", "theres other activities will find for you and all your friends will be playing AAA". So I feel he'd be just as annoyed with swim team or music lessons or anything.
He's frustrated with being walked all year, stopped throwing hard and I fear there's some adult energy that's turned him off as well. I.E. coaches yelling out plays and what to do on defense and competition tension. He had a couple meltdowns about going to practices during the season. It hurts my heart to hear and see his effort slide. I feel an 8 year old doesn't need to be passionate about anything or forced but also needs opportunity and direction to commit to things...aka doesn't get to exactly choose. Any activity at this age (not just baseball) it's also a life lesson to team commitment and consistent work that creates self progress. I'd really miss the community and seeing him play the game well. Not sure how to handle this.