Recently, my son and I enjoyed a dinner outing, and while we munched on burgers and fries, he suddenly got serious. Lowering his gaze, he revealed he had something important to share. I braced myself for a confession about a bad grade or perhaps a crush, but instead, he surprised me with a heartfelt request: “Mom, I really wish you’d think about letting me join the high school football team next year.” His hopeful eyes bore into mine, and in that moment, I knew I had to deliver the same answer I always had—“no.”
In our small town, football isn’t just a sport; it’s practically a religion. With Friday night lights shining down on promising athletes, and a well-resourced athletic program, it’s no wonder my son is captivated by the game. I must admit, the thrill of watching football can be contagious. The sounds of a marching band brings back fond memories of my own high school days, and the excitement of game day fills our living room with referee whistles and enthusiastic cheers. Sundays during football season are filled with the aroma of chili and big plates of nachos as we cheer for our favorite teams. Even though football isn’t life or death for us, my son has dreamt of playing since he was a little kid.
But my husband and I have always been resolute in our decision to keep him off the field. In his younger years, it was easy to dodge the issue. When he’d express interest, we’d casually mention that our schedules were too packed or that we missed the sign-up deadline. The reality, however, is that we both believe tackle football poses significant risks to young players. Even though the younger leagues don’t engage in tackle football, the potential for concussions and other injuries makes me uneasy.
I’m particularly sensitive to this issue because I know firsthand how difficult recovery from a head injury can be. When my son was just 8 years old, he suffered a major concussion during a freak accident in gym class. At first, he seemed fine, sporting a sizable goose egg and a minor headache. But within hours, his condition worsened drastically. He experienced relentless vomiting, dizziness, and lethargy, and soon couldn’t even recognize us. A trip to the emergency room confirmed our worst fears—a serious concussion.
The six weeks that followed were grueling. He had to rest his brain and monitor his symptoms, making schoolwork nearly impossible. He was easily fatigued and spent hours either resting at home or in the school nurse’s office. Activities like riding his bike or playing at the park were off-limits, and he basically spent that time on our couch, impatiently waiting to heal. And this was caused by an accident, not the kind of intense collisions that happen in football.
Witnessing my son endure the pain and the long recovery process left a lasting impact on me. It solidified my determination to keep him away from tackle football, regardless of how much he desires to play. As a parent, it’s my duty to protect him and set boundaries, and saying no to football is a crucial part of that.
I understand that many parents have different views and I respect their choices to let their kids play. I’m still happy to take my son to games to support our local athletes. But as a concerned mom, I can’t shake the anxiety that comes with the possibility of serious injuries on the field.
Sticking to our decision to deny him the chance to play football is challenging, especially in a community that celebrates the sport. I know he longs to be one of those kids with a big number on their back, and watching movies like Rudy only amplifies his disappointment at never having his own heroic moments to reminisce about at high school reunions.
But as we left the restaurant, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and said, “I’ll forgive you for not letting me play football if you’ll buy me an ice cream.” His sweet offer made me smile, and I happily agreed; it felt like a small price to pay for his safety.
In the end, every parent has to make tough decisions, and this is one that I stand by firmly. For more insights on parenting decisions and family wellness, you can check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. Additionally, if you’re navigating the complexities of family planning, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. For general information about pregnancy, you can also refer to the CDC’s page on assisted reproductive technology.
Summary:
Deciding not to let my son play football was a challenging choice, shaped by our family’s experience with a serious concussion he suffered at a young age. Despite the allure of the sport in our town, my priority is his safety, and I remain firm in my decision. While I understand other parents may feel differently, I will continue to support our local teams from the stands.