Hey there! Yes, I’m addressing you — the lone individual at this children’s sports event who’s out there berating the referees and players, flailing your arms, and exhaling in frustration, essentially behaving like a petulant child. It’s time for you to take a step back. In fact, take multiple seats. Maybe even grab a hotdog to occupy that mouth of yours — here, let me get you one — and allow the rest of us to cheer for our kids and their teams in a supportive and uplifting way, which is how we should all be acting as parents.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the World Cup or the Super Bowl; this is more akin to the Sippy Cup. These are kids having fun and learning valuable lessons through play. What they’re really experiencing right now is your negative outburst.
I understand that you believe your child is the “star player,” bravely dragging along a team of “lesser talents” to victory. It’s easy to assume that if it weren’t for those so-called “clumsy” teammates, your little prodigy would always be in the winner’s circle. And don’t get me started on the refs and their calls, or the harsh sunlight that apparently blinded your child during that last shot.
Remember, this is just a game. These kids are playing for enjoyment — usually — until they get overwhelmed by the pressure of someone acting like a short-fused lunatic. They are not professional athletes; no one’s future career is hanging in the balance here. This is an after-school activity meant for fun and personal growth. When you hit the gym, are you training for the Olympics? No? Exactly.
The referees are getting stressed, and the other parents are feeling the strain. Sitting on these bleachers is uncomfortable enough without you adding to our discomfort — because believe it or not, the splintery wood and scorching sun are less irritating than your behavior right now. You’re not doing anyone any favors by raging like a rabid animal, least of all your own child.
By acting out, you’re teaching your child that it’s acceptable to be rude in public. You’re shaping a future generation of disrespectful individuals.
It’s a fact that someone has to lose. Sometimes that’s your child’s team. How about using this moment to be supportive instead? This is a perfect opportunity to instill values of good sportsmanship and how to handle loss gracefully. Or you can continue being the recipient of disapproving glances and eye-rolls from parents who can’t believe your behavior.
Instead, I’ll take your poor attitude and turn it into a lesson for my child. I’ll show them how even adults struggle with appropriate behavior and how unfortunate it is when people can’t manage their frustrations. Most importantly, I’ll be proud to teach them to never be that kind of person.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and related topics, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination kits. For an authoritative resource on the subject, visit Make a Mom. And if you want to know what to expect during your first IUI, this guide is an excellent resource.
In summary, let’s remember that kids’ sports events are about fun, learning, and growth, not about living out our competitive fantasies through our children.