Recently, during a dinner out, my son, Luke, looked down at his plate and said he had something important to discuss. Expecting a confession about school or a crush, I was taken aback when he said, “Mom, I really wish you’d think about letting me join the high school football team next year.” His hopeful gaze made me realize how difficult it would be to explain that my answer would remain a firm “no.”
In our small town, football is a significant part of the culture. With the excitement of Friday night games and a strong athletic program, it’s easy to see why many kids, including my son, become enamored with the sport. I admit, it’s hard not to get swept away when I hear the high school band play, reminding me of my own teenage years.
While we enjoy watching football together as a family, Luke has dreamed of playing since he was little. However, my husband and I have always been resolute in our decision to keep him off the field. When he was younger, it was simpler to avoid signing him up. We would tell him that our schedules were too hectic or that I missed the registration dates. The truth is, we both believe that football is too dangerous for young children. Although younger players don’t engage in tackle football, the risks of concussions and other injuries remain a major concern.
My discomfort with the idea of Luke playing tackle football is rooted in personal experience. When he was 8, he suffered a serious concussion from an unexpected incident during gym class. Initially, he seemed fine with just a headache, but within hours, his condition worsened dramatically. He experienced severe nausea, dizziness, and confusion, leaving us frantic as we rushed him to the ER. The CT scan confirmed our worst fears: a major concussion.
That injury led to six weeks of brain rest, affecting his life significantly. Schoolwork became nearly impossible, and he struggled with fatigue, often finding himself resting at home or in the nurse’s office. Activities that could risk further injury, like riding his bike or playing at the park, were off-limits. His experience, stemming from an accident and not the typical head collisions of football, solidified my determination to keep him off the field.
Witnessing Luke endure the pain and lengthy recovery from his concussion left a lasting impression on me. As a parent, my priority is his safety, and saying no to football is part of that commitment. I understand many parents feel differently, and I respect their choices. I’m more than willing to cheer for our local team and support my son’s friends on the field, but I can’t shake the fear of a potential serious injury.
Standing firm in our decision isn’t easy, especially given the football enthusiasm in our town. I know Luke dreams of being one of those players with a jersey, and during a recent movie night watching “Rudy,” I could see his disappointment in not having a moment to relive at reunions.
As we left the restaurant, Luke put his arm around me and said, “I’ll forgive you for not letting me play football if you buy me an ice cream.” I couldn’t help but smile and agree; it felt like a small price to pay for his safety.
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In summary, my decision to prevent my son from playing football stems from a place of care and concern, influenced by past experiences with serious injuries. While the allure of the sport is strong in our community, my priority remains his well-being.