It doesn’t matter what time I arrive or if we’re best friends who just spent the weekend sharing laughs, or if I’ve exchanged only a few pleasantries with you. Whether the sidelines are crowded or there’s ample space at the prime viewing area, I still prefer to sit by myself.
I’m not avoiding social interaction. On the contrary, I genuinely enjoy being social, engaging with various kids and their parents alike. I often greet others with a wave or a friendly chat. However, once the game starts, I choose solitude.
The days can feel endless, but the years pass quickly. I vividly recall weekends packed with games, leaving me overwhelmed. Now, I’d give anything to relive those moments, where our vehicle served as a mobile locker room filled with equipment, snacks, and enthusiasm. But now, my children drive themselves to their events, yet I make it a point to be present at game time. I still miss the early mornings and the preparations the night before, ensuring we were ready for whatever the day held during those long hours at the field. Still, I opt to sit alone.
My decision stems from my desire for my child to focus on the game rather than wondering why I’m chatting with Mrs. Smith or why I’ve changed seats to converse with Mr. Jones. I don’t want them to look for me only to find me glued to my phone instead of engaged in their game. I want to capture those moments when my child is up to bat, so they can relive the experience later with their dad, discussing the highlights and areas for improvement. “Thanks for filming my hit, Mom,” is the kind of gratitude I cherish.
I don’t want to miss pivotal moments because I’m caught up in conversations about another child’s playing time or a coach’s communication style. I’d rather avoid discussions that lead to needless overanalysis and excuses. While I’m not immune to such topics, I’ve realized that I prefer to enjoy the game in peace, cherishing the time my child spends on the court.
By choosing solitude, I hope my kids will remember my presence at nearly every game, engaged and attentive, so we can share our thoughts afterward. If they want to discuss a player who was overly aggressive, I want to respond with, “I saw that too.” If they believe a referee made a questionable call, I might have captured it on video for us to review together later.
I prefer to watch in silence, and I am content with that decision.
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Summary:
I prioritize focusing on my child’s game rather than engaging in social interactions. By choosing to sit alone during the game, I ensure I am fully present for my child, capturing memories and discussing their performance afterward. This approach allows me to cherish our shared experiences and be an attentive parent.