Last weekend, I dedicated nearly 12 hours to watching my son play in four baseball games. Yes, 12 hours — which included several 45-minute drives to the field, rising before the sun, and plenty of nail-biting moments. I also consumed an alarming amount of coffee while questioning my life choices. Let’s be honest, waking up before dawn to witness 10-year-olds strike out and chase after balls can be quite the experience.
Sometimes I wonder if we, as sports parents, might be just a little unhinged. While it’s true that organized sports aren’t for every family, they work for ours. We are all baseball fans, enjoying both playing and watching the game, turning it into a family affair.
However, my husband and I take a relaxed approach to sports, ensuring they don’t dominate our lives. We aim to instill in our children the values of teamwork, confidence, and diligence that come from organized sports. Up until now, these experiences have generally been enjoyable for our family.
That said, fellow sports parents, it’s time for a little reality check: you need to calm down.
Honestly, I don’t spend my weekends at the ballpark expecting my son to snag a full college scholarship or make it to the pros. Most of us don’t rush from school to soccer practice, tossing snacks to our kids in the backseat, all because we think they’re on the winning team. We don’t sacrifice our time and energy for the sake of swim meets or hockey games because we believe our kids will become the next big stars. We do it simply because it brings them joy — and that joy reflects back on us.
But here’s the kicker: you, fellow sports parent, are draining the joy right out of it. For the love of all things athletic, please CTFD before you spoil it for everyone — especially your kids.
You seem nice enough at first. We exchange pleasantries and cheer for each other’s children. But before long, you’re screaming at the referee for a call you believe is wrong. This escalates throughout the game. Your anger is palpable, and suddenly, you’re convinced the game is rigged.
Please, just sit down. Your behavior is embarrassing for all of us.
Most of my experiences have been positive. The coaches are supportive and generous with their time, and many parents share my easy-going philosophy about sports. That’s why your intensity feels so out of place. You may start as a rational parent wanting your child to have fun, but once you start throwing your hat in frustration or yelling from the bleachers, you lose all credibility.
You express, in a syrupy-sweet tone, that your child’s teammates are holding him back and making it hard to enjoy the game. You laugh at the kid who is distracted by daisies in the outfield. Meanwhile, I can’t help but think, “What’s wrong with you? These are just kids!”
I’ll admit, I sometimes question if I’m missing something. You say these outrageous things in a cheerful voice, and your child seems to excel, making me wonder if I should push my own son harder or encourage more ambition. The answer is a resounding NO.
I understand competitive sports; I swam for 13 years, including time at a Big 10 university. I know the value of hard work and competition, but this is just madness.
Let’s face it: the chances of your child making it to the NBA or MLB are incredibly slim. Your daughter probably won’t be on the Olympic podium in 2032 either. If you’re pouring your time and finances into sports hoping for a return on investment, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Kids participate in organized sports for the love of the game, not for any future financial gain.
Would it be nice if my son were a standout athlete? Sure. But my hopes for my children go far beyond that. I want them to be kind, empathetic individuals who lift others up rather than race past them. I want them to appreciate hard work but not tie their self-worth to winning. More than anything, I want them to find joy in what they do, whether that’s hitting a home run or picking a bouquet of daisies.
So, let’s all take a step back, sports parents. Remember, these are just kids, and it’s merely a game. Keep your cool and your behavior in check — for your child’s sake and everyone else’s.
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Summary
In the world of youth sports, it’s essential to maintain perspective. The focus should be on fostering joy and teamwork, not on unrealistic expectations of greatness. Parents need to remember that these are just kids, and it’s just a game — let’s keep it fun for everyone involved.