In the realm of youth sports, parents often fall into two distinct categories: those who sit back and cheer quietly, and those who unleash a torrent of over-the-top enthusiasm, treating every game like the final moments of a championship match. Gloria Matthews, an author and self-proclaimed “sports mom,” has some invaluable advice to share that every parent involved in their child’s athletic pursuits should heed.
On her social media, Matthews offered her “Sports Parent 101” insights, and her guidance is nothing short of enlightening. So, if you’re a parent, it’s time to pay attention.
“When the game starts, take a seat, get comfortable, and check your attire,” she advises. “If your shirt proudly displays ‘Coach’ or ‘Referee,’ then feel free to shout relevant comments throughout the match. If those words aren’t on your shirt, it’s best to keep your voice down.”
Coming from someone whose partner is a former professional athlete, Matthews understands that while it can be challenging to remain a passive spectator, it’s crucial for the well-being of both your child and the other attendees.
Matthews humorously describes herself as a protective “Mama Bear” who believes every opponent is out to harm her child. To help fellow parents control their vocal impulses, she suggests a simple solution: lollipops. “Pop one in your mouth as soon as you sit down on the sidelines,” she recommends. “This will serve as a reminder that participation in sports is declining, often due to parents behaving poorly from the sidelines. It’s hard for kids to enjoy the game when they’re being yelled at the whole time.”
In a memorable photo accompanying her post, Matthews and her partner can be seen following this advice. If a seasoned athlete can keep her commentary to a minimum to support her child, there’s no excuse for the rest of us to do otherwise.
Matthews concludes her post with an earnest plea for sports parents to allow their children to play freely and let the officials carry out their roles. “As a parent, your role is to cheer with phrases like ‘Great job!’ and ‘Keep going!’ while avoiding any unnecessary critiques,” she states. We’ve all witnessed games where parents lose their composure—don’t become that person.
And she adds a clever twist: “Bring lollipops for the other parents. They’ll see you as the sweet one, but you know the truth—you’re just smart and always on the kids’ side.”
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In summary, Gloria Matthews’ insights remind us that being a supportive sports parent means prioritizing our children’s enjoyment over our own competitive instincts. It’s time to embrace a positive sideline presence and cultivate a love for sports rather than pressure-filled performance anxiety. For more in-depth information on this topic, check out this resource that covers the essentials of fostering a healthy sports environment for our kids.
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