From Makeup to Touchdowns My Unexpected Journey as a Sports Mom
From Beauty to Bleachers My Unexpected Journey as a Sports Mom
Imagine this: there I was, a bookworm of a kid, with a passion for baking, ballet, and watching the timeless masterpiece, the 1968 version of Romeo & Juliet. No one would have guessed, least of all myself, that I would turn out to be a sports mom. Yes, you heard it right. A proud, enthusiastic sports mom.
My little champions, Toby and Anton, have tried their hand at various sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, and even flag football. Our house is pockmarked with Nerf hoops, a testament to their love for the game. Sports commentators have become the constant soundtrack of our lives. I’ve even gone so far as to follow the Warriors players and their spouses on Instagram.
But here’s the thing, before diving into this thrilling world of sports, I was clueless about the rules. It was like trying to read an alien language, utterly boring and confusing. However, once you crack the code, it’s like discovering a hidden treasure. I can’t help but draw similarities to ballet, another enchanting realm filled with its own unique set of movements and rules. Take, for example, the other day when Anton intercepted a pass and sprinted across the field to score a touchdown. I went wild with excitement, cheering, and whooping until my smile threatened to split my face in half.
But hey, let’s not get too carried away with my sports mom persona. If you’ve ever seen the comic here, you’ll know that it pretty much sums up my vibe most of the time. And believe me when I say, I’d love to write an open letter to a few coaches and dads who take intensity to the extreme. I mean, come on, it’s just a game on a sunny Saturday! Let’s take it seriously, sure, but maybe leave the sweaty and red-faced theatrics behind? (Jenny actually recommended I get this tee, haha.)
When it comes to supporting our children in their sports endeavors, Jenny, the wise parent of college athletes, shared some invaluable advice. She said, “Many kids say the worst part of sports is the drive home, when their well-meaning parents weigh in with criticisms, like, ‘That kid runs so fast, you could have done XYZ.’ So, I try not to do any post-game talk, other than saying, ‘You played really well’ and ‘I loved watching you play.’ That’s literally all you should say. Keep the message consistent that you’re proud of them no matter what – they may have lost, but they gave it their all and that’s something to be proud of. They may have lost, but you’re confident they’ll bounce back and give it their all the next day…”
I vividly remember writing a post a whopping 10 years ago (!) with a similar sentiment from parenting author Rachel Stafford. College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel amazing, that amplified their joy during and after a game. Can you guess what the overwhelming response was? “I love to watch you play.”
So tell me, do your kids play sports? Or are they more drawn to activities like acting, art, or music? Or perhaps they simply love tinkering around? (I, for one, am a huge fan of putter-ers.)
P.S. Check out five fun exercise classes and six words to say to your child.
