I grew up playing sports, and absolutely loved it. They helped shape me into the person I am today. I wonder if my children will find a sport they enjoy, and I also wonder what type of sports mom I will be. Today I'm sharing about my fears and hopes of my children playing sports and the parent I hope to be.
I knew early on Turner was going to love sports, because he loved playing with any type of ball he could get his hands on. When he was young people would tell me he had amazing balance, and that he had great hand eye coordination. He's never played Tball, but man that kid has hit a baseball over our roof. A part of me dreads the days when I have to haul him back and forth to practice, but a part of me is also excited to see him participate in something he loves.
Will I force him to play a sport? HECK NO! Will I yell at him from across the court or field when I'm angry or frustrated? Who knows? I hope not. My parents were amazing when it came to supporting me when I played sports. I played volleyball, soccer and ran track from elementary school throughout my senior year. They were at almost every game, and kept to themselves. They rarely yelled, and never got involved with the other parents or the refs. One time I remember falling on the field during a soccer game, and my dad yelled "SUCK IT UP JESSE!" to which I yelled back" Shut up Dad!"....I immediately regretted it. I was so worried what he was going to say after the game, but it must not have been bad because I can't remember him doing anything. I think he understood how frustrated and embarrassed I was. My parents were always there to give me a hug after they game and tell me how hard I worked even if we lost. My dad always said it's the effort and heart you put in to each game that matters most. I don't want to be a crazy sideline parent who gets in to it with other parents and their kids. I want to be respectful and supportive. Will I want to yell? Of course. Will it happen? Maybe. I'm a very loud and emotional person. One of the reasons I didn't become a coach was because I was worried I would be too harsh on the kids. I pray I can be a positive role model to my children even in stressful situations like a nail biter game.
I think about how soon I should put him in classes, leagues, clubs. Sports are SO competitive in Austin, and it annoys me. I grew up in a small town. My school was 4A, and I could play a different sport each season. I played club soccer and volleyball here and there but it was nothing compared to the clubs they have in Austin. One thing I do know is that I don't want my son to think sports are everything. They are fun, but they aren't life. God and family and education are more important. I always thought I would play college sports, and that didn't work out. I want my kids to know I'm not counting on them getting a sports scholarship for college. If they get one well that's icing on the cake, but I will never pressure them to feel like they need to play college sports.
I also think about what sports I should introduce my kids to. If I don't sign them up for it, they might never know if they are good at it or love it. Should I put them in swimming? Golf? Less contact sports? Football was one of my favorite sports to watch growing up...c'mon I grew up in small Texas town (less than 8,000 people) where Friday Night Lights was the week's biggest event. Turner loves to play football, but a part of me doesn't want him to play when I hear the horror stories about concussions and all the new studies coming out. What am I supposed to think? It makes me want to put him in golf or tennis so he never intentionally smashes skulls with another kid.
I'm trying my best and learning as I go. One thing I have loved are the soccer classes at SoccerZone Lakeline in Cedar Park. Turner's Soccer Cub class is everyday Saturday at 11am for 8 weeks but the best part is that if we can't make a Saturday, we can make up for it another time. This is THE best! We are out of town a lot, so knowing we can make up the class another time gives me peace of mind. Being inside is also wonderful because it can be summer or winter, and I know weather won't effect practice. Each class is a little less than an hour, and the coaches are great with kids. I like lessons more than a league, because they have short games which keeps their attention, but the entire hour is not dedicated to a game. The Soccer Cubs classes are open to 18 month to 7 year olds and are $139 for an 8 week session including a shirt. Turner has loved it so far, and I hope he enjoys soccer as much as I did as a teenager but I'm not going to pressure him ; ).
Do your kids plays sports? Are they in any leagues? Clubs? What age did you start? I would love your advice!
SoccerZone Lakeline also hosts birthday parties, youth leagues, and adult leagues. One of my favorite things about the facility is they have lots of toys, books and a bounce house to entertain my twins when I take Turner.
This post was sponsored by SoccerZone Lakeline, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1 comment:
I can soooo relate! We just went through our first soccer season with Neighborhood sports and struggled with the very things you talked about. Be prepared, since you grew up playing sports it will be hard not to scream and yell! For me, it was a bit frustrating watch my son tip-toe through the tulips instead of engaging and going after the ball. Many times I had to catch myself and take a step back and remember he's only 5!
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