I’m not particularly invested in sports. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about our rankings, the upcoming opponents, or even the outcome of my child’s game right now. It’s just not my scene—I was more about the stage than the field.
That said, I absolutely care about how my kids perform on the field, but perhaps not in the conventional ways other parents might. You might call me a bit of a “helicopter parent” or even a “tiger mom,” but my focus is different. I want my kids to grow into good human beings, and for that reason, we play by our own set of rules when it comes to sports.
- Show Up. You signed up for this, kid! We’re investing time and money into your sports journey, so no complaining about practices or games. Your teammates and coaches rely on you, so whatever’s bothering you, get in the car. Punctuality matters!
- Play Every Play. Whether you’re ahead by ten points or behind, stay engaged. The game isn’t over until the whistle blows, so respect the effort of everyone on the field.
- Be a Good Sport. If you’re frustrated after a mistake and feel the urge to sulk or vent, just walk straight to the car because you’re done. Emotions are valid, but self-control is key. I will be there to remind you of this louder than you might like.
- No Blaming. Yes, tough games happen; it’s part of sports. But if you complain about the refs, coaches, or competitors on the ride home, I might suggest that if they frustrate you so much, perhaps team sports isn’t your thing. If you want to keep your sanity, focus on your own performance instead.
- Be Kind. I might miss your big moment, but I’ll notice when you cheer for that one kid who struggles or compliment someone on the opposing team. Those acts of kindness make me proud, and that’s what we’ll celebrate on the way home.
- Thank Your Coach. Regardless of your playing time or any mistakes made, you’ll look your coach in the eye and thank them after each game. They deal with a lot and deserve our appreciation, even if we think they need a break sometimes.
- Clean Up. It doesn’t matter whose drink it was—pick it up. Let’s show respect for the space we share.
- Thank Your Parents. We’re in this together. I just spent hours in the sun, rain, or wind cheering you on. I might not enjoy sports, but I love you. A simple “thank you” means the world.
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In summary, while I might not be a sports enthusiast, I’m invested in my children’s growth as individuals. Through our unique set of rules, we focus on kindness, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility, ensuring that the experience is meaningful for everyone involved.