I’ll be upfront: sports aren’t my thing. I don’t get wrapped up in standings, upcoming matches, or whether my kid’s team is winning right now. Honestly, I was more into show choir than anything else.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care about my kids’ performance on the field. In fact, you could say I’m a bit of a “tiger mom,” but I’m more invested in qualities that don’t seem to matter much to other parents. I’m not concerned about my kids becoming star athletes or landing scholarships. What truly matters to me is that they grow into kind, considerate individuals. With that in mind, we’ve established our own set of rules for sports.
- Show Up. You chose to participate, so we’re all committed. Our family is investing significant time and money into this, so complaints about practices or games will not be tolerated. Your teammates and coaches rely on you—so let’s get in the car and go on time.
- Play Every Play. Whether your team is ahead or behind, don’t check out. The game continues until the final whistle, so respect your teammates and opponents by giving it your all.
- Be a Good Sport. If you come off the field upset and start throwing a fit, you’re done for the day. Feel free to vent your frustrations, but you must do so with self-control and sportsmanship. If not, I’ll be right there to remind you of our rules.
- No Blaming. Yes, games can be tough, but if you start blaming officials, coaches, or opponents in the car, I’ll point out that perhaps we should reconsider our involvement with them. Team sports are about collaboration; if that’s not your thing, maybe it’s time to think about pursuing individual sports.
- Be Kind. I might miss your big play, but I’ll certainly notice when you cheer for a teammate or compliment a rival. Those acts of kindness are what I’m proud of, and they’re what we’ll discuss on the drive home.
- Thank the Coach. Regardless of your playing time or performance, make it a point to thank your coach after every game. They put up with a lot, and we should acknowledge their efforts, even if we think they could use a break.
- Clean Up. No matter who left it behind, pick up after yourself and your teammates. It’s about personal responsibility and respect for the space.
- Thank Your Parents. Sitting through games in all kinds of weather can be draining, and I’m here because I love you. So, take a moment to acknowledge that with a heartfelt “thank you.”
This approach to sports is about life lessons, not just wins and losses. For more insights on parenting and navigating family dynamics, check out our other blog post here. If you’re looking for at-home insemination supplies, check out Make a Mom for their reliable kits. Additionally, if you’re curious about the IVF journey, Parents has an excellent resource detailing the process.
In summary, the focus of our sports philosophy is on character development and respect. Winning is secondary to being a good teammate and a decent person.
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