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Lessons from the Football Field: What My Sons Taught Me
This year marked the first time my two boys took to the football field, and oh, what a journey it has been for all of us! When practice kicked off, neither of them—along with many of their teammates—had ever played football before. They were still trying to figure out how to wear their gear and grasp the basic rules of the game. Thankfully, they had a coach who was not only patient but also understood that these were young kids, and the whole experience should be about fun and learning.
The coach adhered strictly to the league’s practice guidelines, which taught the kids the value of rules and discipline, even when others might not. Our team started the season with just 11 players—barely enough to cover all positions. This meant my boys were playing both offense and defense without any breaks, relying on only one substitute who joined later. Competing against teams that had double or even triple our numbers, and some teams that largely fielded fourth-graders, felt like a real-life David and Goliath scenario. Spoiler alert: David hasn’t won a single game yet.
As a mom, it’s been tough to watch. I see how hard they’ve worked and how much they’ve improved, yet they seem outmatched every week. Each fumble or missed tackle tugs at my heartstrings, and I worry they might become discouraged and shy away from trying new things in the future. But through all the losses, they’ve remained upbeat, eager to run through the spirit line with their cheerleaders and a handmade sign. They want to win, of course, but it hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm for practices and games, which I find incredibly admirable. We celebrate their progress and growth, and it’s genuinely inspiring to witness a group of kids executing plays they once struggled to understand.
I’ve told my boys that sometimes losing can motivate us to work harder and appreciate winning even more. Waiting to see them achieve that first win feels like anticipating Christmas morning without a calendar to mark the days. As someone who likes to control everything, it’s hard for me to accept that all I can do is support them. Yet, I remind myself that this journey is about them learning to rise from setbacks, and I’ve come to realize that I’m growing through this experience too.
This season is pushing me to shift from a protective mother to a guiding coach. We’re navigating life’s ups and downs together, allowing my own experiences to light their path while I step into the uncharted territory of letting go. I know the challenges I’ve faced shaped me into a resilient person, and I hope my boys will emerge stronger from their own trials.
Parenting isn’t solely about teaching; it’s also a path of personal growth. I’m bravely exploring new emotions while helping them navigate situations I’ve already encountered. It’s daunting but also exhilarating to evolve alongside them. We’re both learning that not winning doesn’t define you as a “loser” and that setbacks can be stepping stones to success. Raising kids who learn and grow from their experiences is one of my greatest aspirations, and while the outcomes are ultimately theirs to control, I’m right there coaching them with everything I’ve got.
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In summary, my sons’ football journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. They may not be winning yet, but their spirit and determination are noteworthy, and I believe these experiences will serve them well in the future.