[wendymom]

First let me say THANK YOU for putting all your time and energy into a program that will benefit students in ways you will never know. Then let me say.....Dont stress your self out...its not all about the robot.

We ran into issues like this with our FLL team. No one knew what they were doing...mostly me.....we did the best we could and at the competition our goal was just to get points on the board. They scored 16 points in the first round and felt like they had jumped the moon. Its not about winning its about the journey to get there.

When you get really exasberated make a list of all the things your kids are learning:
How to work as a team
How to network with other professionals
How to work power tools they have never touched before
How to write a press release
How to troubleshoot and problem solve
How to win gracefully
How to lose gracefully
How to scout
How to speak to adults in interview situations
How to speak to kids they don't know and never would otherwise
How to fundraise to get what they need
That being a geek can be really cool
That college isn't out of reach
That they can do anything they set their minds to
That you are proud of them even if they don't win anything

My last piece of advice is to look for some college mentors and parents to help you out. I couldn't live without my college students, they do all the technical stuff. I have also had parents step up to make banners, travel arrangements, cook dinners, collect forms, check deadlines, fundraise etc. Last year I tried to do it all myself and found out this year all I had to do was ask. Parents for the most part will do what you ask them to ....once you remember to ask.

Good Luck, Dont go crazy and let us know if we can help you