As the vibrant seasons of spring and summer youth sports unfold, I find myself fully immersed in this exhilarating world. My family is fully engaged: my son is busy with soccer, baseball, and basketball, while my daughter focuses on softball, and my husband takes on coaching duties. Our weekends and many weeknights are spent at various fields and courts, bleacher seats and well-stocked coolers in tow. While some may view our sports-centric lifestyle as overly intense during this time, we relish every moment.
However, being “all in” means we’ve experienced the full spectrum of youth sports—from the thrilling victories to the frustrating losses (and yes, the cringe-worthy moments). If you’re a parent of a young athlete, you probably understand this rollercoaster as well.
Before you jump to conclusions, thinking I’m here to critique the parents who turn youth sports into a chaotic drama, I must confess: I’ve been a part of that chaotic scene myself. I’m not proud of some of my actions or words during heated moments. It’s all too easy to lose perspective, even when you have the best intentions. This Sports Parent’s Pledge is as much a reminder for me as it is for you. So, let’s unite on this journey. Ready? Let’s begin:
- I pledge to maintain composure when faced with a “bad” call. I won’t yell at the umpire or throw a fit that embarrasses my child. Instead, I’ll breathe and remember that this isn’t the World Series; everyone makes mistakes. I’ll put on my big-kid pants and move on—for the sake of my child and everyone around us.
- I pledge not to undermine my child’s coach. This individual dedicates their free time to teach and inspire my child, often sacrificing their own leisure activities. I’ll respect their commitment and address any concerns directly with them, rather than gossiping behind their back.
- I pledge to avoid disparaging any young athlete for their mistakes. These kids are still learning their bodies and skills. Expecting perfection is unrealistic. I won’t tell my child that a teammate’s errors led to a loss; they need to understand that success and failure are shared experiences.
- I pledge not to shout instructions from the sidelines. Comments like “keep your head down” or “be more aggressive” will only add stress. Instead, I’ll stick to encouraging phrases like “You’ve got this!” or “Great hustle!”
- I pledge to not feel guilty about fast food dinners. If my child arrives at the game on time and ready to play, that’s what counts. I’ll remind myself that juggling everything is challenging and that some days, drive-thru is the best option.
- I pledge to refrain from critiquing my child on the ride home. No one is scouting for future scholarships, so I’ll focus on the fun they had instead. If I have advice to give, I’ll save it for another time.
- I pledge to say “yes” to ice cream after tough games. It’s important to celebrate, even in defeat. I won’t bribe my child with treats for performance, as I want them to strive for personal achievement for the right reasons.
- I pledge not to overshare my child’s every accomplishment on social media. While it’s tempting to showcase their successes, I’ll remember that some moments are best cherished privately.
- I pledge to come prepared with first-aid supplies. I want to be the parent who is ready for any minor mishap, instead of scrambling for makeshift solutions.
- I pledge to wash my child’s uniform promptly. Keeping on top of laundry will save me from the panic of searching for a stinky, wadded-up uniform right before a game.
- I pledge to steer clear of the politics that can taint youth sports. I won’t engage in favoritism or backdoor dealings. Youth sports should focus on the kids, not adult agendas.
- I pledge to model good sportsmanship. I won’t engage with obnoxious parents from opposing teams. Instead, I’ll remain calm and let the officials do their jobs.
- I pledge to enjoy the experience. I’ll cheer for all kids, especially those who might not have cheering parents. I’ll embrace every moment—whether that’s the smell of hot dogs on the grill or the joy of seeing my child thrive.
Now, let’s play ball!
In summary, this pledge serves as a reminder for all sports parents to prioritize what truly matters: the enjoyment and growth of our children in youth sports. Engaging in this journey without the added drama can create a more positive experience for everyone involved. If you’re looking to enhance your family’s experience in this realm, consider exploring resources on fertility and parenting options that can enrich your journey as a parent, such as this one for fertility supplements or this helpful guide on IVF.
Keyphrase: youth sports parenting pledge
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]