You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take

My son is running for Vice-President at school and tonight he wrote his speech.  He is already in student council as a class representative, but he really wants to be an officer.  I had a great time working on the speech with him.   DH and I wanted him to embellish it with a call and response type cheer or at least a chant. My sister suggested he say "DK is our man!"  I suggested, "DK, DK, he's our man, if he can't do it, nobody can!"   His dad suggested, "A vote for me is a vote for excellence!"  (That's the school's theme this year. ) I told him his favorite candidate has one - "Yes, we can!" but he did not budge.  In his speech, he simply says his name, what position he is running for, and why people should vote for him.  And he closes by saying, "Please vote for me for Vice-President. Thank you."  

I had him practice saying it slowly and pausing after each sentence.  I reminded him to look at the audience which he reluctantly agreed to do after watching one of Obama's speeches on YouTube. He also made two very simple posters.  I really wanted to make the posters for him, but resisted the urge.  It's his responsibility.  What am I teaching him if I make the posters for him?

I imagine most parents are thrilled to watch their child want to be involved in this type of school activity, but I am more nervous than he is about this election.  The other two students running for vice-president are in fourth grade.  DK is only in third.  What if he doesn't win? Will it affect his self-esteem?  Will he cry?  What will I do to support him if that happens?  If he wins, how do we teach him humility?  

My brother says I make parenting hard because I over-think everything.  Maybe he's right.  I should just let my child enjoy his moment in the spotlight. He can't win if he doesn't try.  Go get 'em, DK!  Have fun!

TTYL.