I’m a basketball mom. My cousin, Lisa? A volleyball mom. The lady next door is a hockey mom, and my child’s art teacher? A gymnastics mom.
What do we all have in common? We’re all a bit nuts, completely unhinged. WE ARE WILD. We have officially lost our marbles. If you’re reading this while waiting for your little athlete to finish practice, I hate to break it to you, but you might be in the same boat. Don’t believe me? Here are five unmistakable signs that sports moms are a tad crazy.
1. The Financial Drain
Let’s face it—youth sports can break the bank. Between coaching fees, lessons, referees, and tournament costs, we’re also hit with uniform and gear bills. “Wait, what? I need to buy a $70 backpack in the team colors that can only be ordered from a store three hours away, and I have to get little Ella’s name stitched on it too?” The absurdity of it all can only be described as crazy—yet we plow ahead. “Alright, Ella, hop in! If we hurry, we might just make it before they close.”
2. The Time Sink
My child’s soccer team practices twice weekly and has games on weekends. Many evenings, I’ve found myself feeding my hyperactive toddler snacks while he stares at surprise egg videos on a chilly sideline. As I sit there, I can’t help but think of all the things I’d rather be doing (like literally anything else) or should be doing (cough, laundry).
3. The Travel Chaos
Next week, we’re heading out of town for a tournament. That’s right. Instead of a family vacation, we’re off to soccer matches. Ever tried to get three kids to sleep in one room? No? You’re really missing out on a wild experience.
4. The Wild Side of Competition
The quickest way to reveal someone’s inner crazy is to say something about their child. Even if the critique is valid, or comes from a qualified official, some parents just can’t handle it. I’ve seen grown adults bicker with teenage referees, and I’ve witnessed fights break out on the sidelines that required police intervention. There are even parents who heckle a 10-year-old goalie until they’re in tears. While I’m glad I don’t associate with these folks, they’re out there. They are the unicorns of the sports parent world, mythical but way more common than you might think. Being a sports parent can feel like you’re drinking the Kool-Aid, but those others are the ones who spike it with something toxic.
5. The Risk of Injuries
Kids can get hurt just sitting at home. Seriously, my 4-year-old once hurt himself while eating a banana. Now add in hours of running, jumping, and tackling, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Why do we keep putting our kids in risky situations? Because they love it. They are passionate about it, and that’s what drives us a little mad. It all starts with adorable little cleats or a sparkly new leotard, or a coach who thinks Timmy has “natural talent.” Suddenly, we’re all in—mind, body, wallet, and time. You don’t even realize how deep you’re in until you find yourself baking under the scorching sun with a baby who’s only a month old, watching a tournament, and thinking, “This is not normal.” And you know what? You’re right. Sports moms are totally bonkers.
Pass me the Kool-Aid!
For more insights, check out our post on terms and conditions related to our other topics. And if you’re looking for advice on boosting fertility, visit Make a Mom for some great tips. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources for anyone navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In conclusion, being a sports mom often means embracing a wild, hectic lifestyle filled with financial stress, time commitments, chaotic travel, and the risk of injuries—all driven by our kids’ love for their sports. If you recognize yourself in these signs, welcome to the club!