Hey there, fellow sports parents! I’m right there with you. We’ve shared countless moments together at games, meets, and award ceremonies — cheering, wearing our team colors, and mastering the snack stand like pros!
I cherish every single minute of it. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hearing the crack of a bat or the swoosh of a winning basket when it’s your child making it happen. I’ve perfected the proud parent smile and how to graciously respond to other parents’ compliments about my child’s achievements. I find myself daydreaming about high school games, where our kids will be back on the field, in front of larger crowds, with scouts watching, and opportunities on the horizon.
But then reality hits, and I hear the frustrated comments from parents nearby. One of our star players has been benched to give a less coordinated teammate some playtime. “Great! There goes the game,” one dad mutters. I cringe, hoping the other child’s parents don’t hear him. But they do, and I recognize the hurt in their eyes — I’ve been there too, as the parent of a child who isn’t exactly the next sports star.
You see, kids develop at different rates. My younger son hit his athletic milestones much sooner than my older son, who’s finding himself at a disadvantage. This discrepancy can lead to frustration, making him feel like he doesn’t belong on the field, or worse, causing others to think he’s a burden to the team.
Watching my older son play is a different experience. Often, he’s on the bench, and when he finally gets a chance, I find myself holding my breath, praying for a positive moment. At a recent soccer game, he had a golden opportunity to score. He ran with determination, but when he went to kick the ball, he completely missed and fell flat on his back.
The crowd reacted, with one mom exclaiming, “Oh, come on!” and a dad throwing his hands up in disbelief. It broke my heart, yet my son stood up, laughed it off, and rejoined the game. That moment of resilience meant far more to me than any goal he could have scored.
Those harsh comments stung. Sports are meant to build confidence, character, and sportsmanship, and I refuse to let my son miss out on those lessons simply because he isn’t as skilled as his peers.
Some might argue that we’ve raised a generation of entitled kids who expect rewards just for showing up. While I agree there are issues with entitlement, it often stems from parents over-managing their children’s experiences, ensuring their path is clear of obstacles. This behavior can prevent kids from learning to navigate challenges themselves.
So here’s my plea to all sports parents: Let’s allow coaches to coach and referees to officiate. Let’s support all our children, regardless of their performance. Let’s teach them resilience. And if they see another player fall, let’s encourage them to lend a helping hand.
If you’re seeking more tips on parenting and home insemination, check out some excellent resources like this guide from UCSF, and for practical tools, visit Make a Mom’s Baby Maker. And for additional insights, don’t miss this blog post.
Summary
Sports can be a wonderful opportunity for children to grow, but not all kids are created equal in athletic ability. As parents, it’s crucial to foster an environment that encourages resilience and teamwork, rather than one that focuses solely on winning. By supporting all players, we can help our children learn valuable life lessons.