It doesn’t matter when I arrive at the field. Whether I’m with someone I’ve shared laughs with just the night before or a mere acquaintance I’ve greeted a handful of times, my presence is solitary. Even if the sidelines are crowded or the bleachers are filled for a championship, I prefer to sit by myself.
This isn’t an indication of being anti-social. In fact, I’m quite the opposite—friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic about all the kids and their parents. I’ll wave hello and exchange pleasantries. I genuinely enjoy connecting with others, just not when the game is underway.
When the game starts, I focus solely on my child. The days may drag on, but the years fly by. I still vividly recall those weekends packed with back-to-back games, where exhaustion loomed large. Now, I find myself longing for those chaotic days, where our vehicle transformed into a mobile locker room, filled with sports gear and snacks. Those moments were precious.
Now that my kids drive themselves, I still prioritize being present for their games, even if I miss the early morning arrivals and the last-minute packing of snacks and gear. Despite everything, I still choose to sit alone.
I want my child to concentrate on the game, not on whether I’m chatting with someone else on the sidelines. I don’t want them distracted by the sight of me engrossed in my phone instead of watching their performance. I want to capture every moment, especially when they’re at bat, so we can review it together later. Hearing them say, “Thanks for recording my hit, Mom,” is what makes it all worthwhile.
I refuse to let sideline chatter about playing time or coaching decisions divert my attention from the game. While I can also fall into these discussions, I’ve come to realize that I’d rather relish the experience of watching my child compete.
By sitting alone, I hope my kids will remember that I was there for nearly every game, fully engaged and present. I want to be able to share insights with them about what happened on the field. If they mention a challenging player or a questionable call, I want to have the video evidence to discuss it together.
Ultimately, I prefer to watch in solitude. It’s a conscious choice that brings me joy.
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In summary, the choice to remain quiet during my child’s game allows me to focus entirely on the experience, fostering meaningful memories together.