Hey there, fellow sports parents! It’s great to connect with you all. We’ve cheered together at games, celebrated victories, and navigated the concession stands like pros! Each moment spent in the stands, from the crack of a bat to the swish of a basketball net, is pure joy—especially when your own child is the one making it happen. I’ve perfected the art of the proud parent smile and know how to graciously respond when others rave about my little superstar. As I envision future high school games and the chance for our kids to shine in front of scouts, I find myself momentarily lost in this dream.
But then, I’m jolted back to reality by the frustrated murmurs of nearby parents. One of our standout players has been benched to give a turn to a less coordinated teammate. “Fantastic!” one dad mutters. “We’re done for.” I cringe, hoping the young athlete’s parents aren’t close enough to hear.
But they are. I recognize that look of disappointment all too well because I am also the parent of a “less athletic” child—let’s say it nicely. The truth is, kids develop at different rates, and our older son just happens to be a bit slower off the mark than his peers. This can lead to a demoralizing spiral where he might give up on sports entirely, feeling that he doesn’t belong or that he’s a burden to his team.
Watching one of his games is a different experience compared to our younger son’s. Most of the time, he sits on the bench while his teammates are on the field. When he gets his chance to play, my heart races with anticipation, hoping things go well.
At a recent soccer match, he found himself in a prime scoring position, wide open and ready for the ball. He kicked it with all his might but completely missed, falling flat on his back. The crowd’s reaction was immediate: a mother sighed, “Oh, come on!” while a dad threw his hands up in disbelief. My heart sank for him as he picked himself up, laughed off the mishap, and dove back into the game.
That moment of resilience—getting back up after falling flat—is truly more impressive than any goal or home run. It’s disheartening to hear adults voice their frustrations during a children’s game, which should be a space for learning confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Just because my son isn’t the star doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve those opportunities.
Sure, some may argue that we’re raising an entitled generation, but I see it differently. Today’s kids need chances to learn from their failures and be rewarded for their efforts. The real issue lies in the overzealous parenting that can suffocate a child’s growth. Parents who micromanage their kids’ experiences and throw tantrums when things don’t go their way are missing the point.
Let’s make a pact, parents of athletic kids: let’s allow coaches to coach and refs to ref. Let’s support all children, regardless of their performance, and teach them to get back up when they stumble. And when they see a fellow player fall, let’s encourage them to lend a hand.
For more insights on this topic, check out this resource on the importance of teamwork and resilience.
Summary:
As sports parents, it’s essential to understand the developmental differences in athletic ability among children. Supporting all kids, regardless of their skill level, fosters resilience and teamwork. Encouraging a positive atmosphere in youth sports can help instill valuable life lessons that extend beyond the game.