In the realm of youth sports, there’s a clear divide among parents: those who quietly cheer for their children, and those who transform into overzealous spectators, hollering as if it’s the final inning of a championship game. Author and blogger, Lisa Hartman, who identifies as a “soccer mom” and is married to a former professional athlete, emphasizes the importance of being the former.
Lisa recently shared her “Soccer Mom 101” guidelines on social media, and her insights are spot-on. Parents with kids in sports, take note:
“When the game starts, take a seat. Get comfortable. Then check your shirt,” she advises. “If it says ‘Coach’ or ‘Referee,’ feel free to voice your opinions during the game. If not, keep your comments to yourself.” This advice comes from someone deeply connected to the sports world, highlighting the need for parents to maintain composure for the sake of their children and the enjoyment of everyone present.
Lisa, who humorously describes herself as a “Protective Mama Bear convinced that every other kid on the field is out to harm her child,” suggests a simple trick for parents wanting to keep quiet: lollipops. “Pop those in your mouth as soon as you settle on the sidelines,” she suggests. “Let them remind you that kids are leaving sports in droves, largely due to parents acting out. It’s hard to enjoy a game when adults are yelling.”
In a candid photo shared with her partner, the former athlete, Lisa demonstrates this strategy perfectly. If someone with such a strong sports background can keep quiet to support their child, we have no excuse not to follow suit.
Encouraging Positive Support
Concluding her post, Lisa urges parents to allow the kids to play freely and trust the referees to do their jobs. “As a parent, your role is to cheer with encouraging words like ‘Great job!’ and ‘Keep it up!’ and maybe a casual ‘That’s offside!’” We’ve all experienced the chaos of a game where parents shout inappropriate things. Don’t be that parent. And certainly don’t support that behavior.
Finally, she offers a clever tip: “Bring lollipops for your fellow parents. They’ll think you’re sweet, but you’re really just smart and firmly on the kids’ side.”
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Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s vital for sports parents to remember their role and create a supportive environment for their children. Let’s focus on fostering a love for the game rather than adding pressure.