Recently, I found myself up much too late, glued to the screen for the kickoff of another NFL season. My older kids were clamoring to join me, and I found myself bending the bedtime rules just to let them catch the first half. It’s become our little family tradition, cheering on our favorite teams, regardless of the outcome. However, as my kids grow, I find myself torn between my excitement for the game and my underlying anxiety about them wanting to put on a helmet one day.
Currently, they’re not in football, but I know that day is on the horizon. When my son inevitably approaches me with, “Dad, can I play football?” my heart will be conflicted. I can already hear myself saying, “Go for it, champ.” The thought of this makes me uneasy. I know I’ll prioritize his eagerness over my concerns about the potentially serious long-term effects of playing such a physically demanding sport.
What makes it even trickier is the mixed opinions from former and current players about allowing their own kids to take the field. For instance, former player Jake Johnson believes kids should play as long as parents are aware of the risks, while current stars like Sam Green and Lee Carter have opted against letting their kids play, citing safety concerns.
This conflict leaves me grappling with the divide between expert opinions, medical research on the dangers, and my kids’ enthusiasm for trying something new. I feel like a hypocrite if I don’t let them explore their interests. I’m all about encouraging them to pursue their passions, but at the same time, I want to protect them from what I perceive as risks.
As I consider allowing my son to play, I’ve decided to put a few safety measures in place:
- Movie Night with “Head Trauma”
We’ll sit down and watch “Head Trauma” together. If the story of Mike Thompson doesn’t give him pause, I might have bigger issues to worry about. This film has definitely shifted my perspective on football. - Not Until Middle School
Flag football is perfectly fine until they hit sixth grade. I simply can’t understand why kids under 10 need to be tackling each other on the field. - Preseason Coach Chat
I know coaches are required to undergo concussion training, but I want to have a candid conversation with my son’s coach about how they teach safe tackling techniques and their experiences with players who have faced hard hits. - Consult with the Pediatrician
I’ll make sure that a portion of my child’s annual check-up includes a discussion about concussion symptoms, warning signs, and the latest medical findings.
I realize that none of these measures can guarantee my child’s safety or ease my lingering worries. What they do represent is my commitment to keeping an open line of communication and accountability—showing my son, his teammates, and his coaches that I care deeply about his well-being.
I’m a dad who believes in standing by principles that sometimes clash with my protective instincts. Above all, I want to raise well-rounded, curious, and responsible individuals. I’ll cheer my kids on from the sidelines, all the while hoping they find their passion—perhaps even one that doesn’t involve so much contact!
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Summary
Navigating the decision for my kids to play football is filled with mixed emotions and safety considerations. By implementing precautions like watching impactful movies, delaying tackle football until middle school, conversing with coaches, and consulting our pediatrician, I aim to balance my desire to let them explore their passions with the need to keep them safe.