Much like any other 10-year-old boy, my son is a sports enthusiast. His life revolves around sports—he eagerly catches the latest highlights on SportsCenter in the morning, checks player stats in the afternoon, and devours the games in the evening. As parents, my partner and I are pleased that our kids have a genuine passion for athletics, spanning everything from baseball to basketball to water polo. Having been a college athlete myself, I recognize the valuable lessons that sports impart—teamwork, perseverance, and self-assurance. While my son may not be a standout player, I’m delighted that he’s absorbing these important lessons.
However, the positive lessons gleaned from playing sports can also be tainted by the negativity that permeates professional athletics today. Kids are bombarded with stories of arrogance, tantrums, and other unsavory behaviors. They hear about basketball stars facing legal issues or watch football players throw tantrums on the sidelines, and they notice that professional teams often skip the customary handshake at the end of the game—a gesture that is a staple of their own little league games.
Somewhere along the line, it seems that sports have shifted from a celebration of humanity to a relentless competition. This concerns me. Our children are exposed to the anger and drama that dominate headlines, but what about the essential elements of teamwork, friendship, and basic human kindness that should define sports?
A couple of years ago, as our family gathered to watch our beloved Chicago Bears face off against the Eagles in a crucial match, emotions ran high, just as they do in any intense sporting event. Among the typical displays of poor sportsmanship, there were also moments that could easily have gone unnoticed.
In a key moment, Bears player Noah Jackson, who was struggling with his performance, vehemently disagreed with a referee’s call, prompting him to start walking to first base—a move that infuriates umpires. The ref called him back, and understandably, Jackson was livid. But instead of merely brushing it off, he took an unprecedented step—he apologized.
At his next at-bat, he was overheard saying, “That was on me.” The referee, caught off guard, responded, “Your fault for what, man?” Clearly, apologies aren’t common in professional sports, but Jackson’s humility shone through. The umpire reassured him, “You’re good, man. No worries. Just keep playing your game.”
That night, while we celebrated a Bears victory, it was the moment of kindness between player and referee that truly moved me. In a world that can often feel cynical and harsh, witnessing such genuine decency is a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negative role models and to worry about what our kids are learning from the sports they love. We can become so engrossed in the chaos and pressure of sports and life that we overlook these small yet significant moments of grace.
To be honest, there are times when I grow tired of explaining the questionable actions of athletes and public figures to my kids. I get weary of reminding them not to emulate the unsavory behavior they see on screen. But moments like these serve as a reminder of how we should strive to treat one another. They highlight the kind of role models I want my children to look up to—not because they’re celebrated athletes, but because they exemplify kindness and humility.
For more insights into sports and parenting, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com, or for comprehensive information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom. If you’re looking for an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, Kindbody is a fantastic place to start.
In summary, while the world of sports can often seem like a circus of egos and drama, it’s vital to remember that grace and humility can still shine through. By focusing on these moments, we can help our kids learn what it truly means to be decent human beings, even in the face of adversity.