Back in middle school, I was determined to join a sports team, but there was just one problem: I had no athletic talent whatsoever. I was tall and slender, but my coordination left much to be desired. My knowledge of sports rules? Nonexistent. I was always the last one picked for kickball during recess. Yet, I longed for the camaraderie that came with being on a team.
As I approached high school, I noticed that kids involved in sports seemed to have an automatic boost in popularity. They had flashy uniforms, decorated lockers, and were often celebrated at pep rallies. So, I decided to give volleyball a shot. To my astonishment, I not only made the team but was also appointed captain. Now, before you get too excited, I was the captain of the C team, leading a group of sixth graders who were as inexperienced as I was.
I was a pretty ineffective captain. Without a solid grasp of the game, I struggled to give direction, relying instead on encouragement without any real understanding. The season flew by, and I ultimately didn’t pursue playing in high school.
Fast forward to now: I’m a mother of four, and it seems I’ve stepped right back into the sports arena, but this time it’s a whole different ball game. I’ve noticed that there’s an expectation to fully immerse myself in the sports culture, which feels incredibly intimidating.
From my vantage point, it appears that many parents take sports quite seriously. I’ve seen them yelling at referees and their own kids as if the world were about to end over a missed call. Some parents sport glittery shirts emblazoned with their child’s name and number, while others are so loud they could rival a toddler throwing a tantrum in a candy store. Rain? No problem! Some parents are convinced a downpour won’t stop a four-year-old’s baseball game.
Being a sports parent today involves more than just practices and games; it’s a whirlwind of photos, parades, and award ceremonies. For me, the whole scene feels excessive and foreign. Growing up, sports were just games—not a grand spectacle.
Yes, my kids have dabbled in sports. From soccer and tennis to martial arts and gymnastics, they’ve tried it all. I’m all for exploring different activities instead of forcing them into one they don’t love. Currently, one of my kids is playing basketball while another is cheering. Despite being a “basketball mom” for nearly six years, I still don’t fully grasp the intricacies of the game. Why are some shots worth one point and others three? Where’s that magical line? I often find myself leaning over to my spouse for an explanation whenever someone cheers or boos.
Cheerleading, on the other hand, is completely new territory for me. I had no clue how complicated cheer uniforms could be. Just last week, I discovered that “cheer shoes” aren’t just regular white sneakers, and there’s a whole world of specific hair bows and schedules to navigate.
What’s a “cheer mom” supposed to do? Cheer from the sidelines? Smile and nod? Wear a matching tee? I’m left questioning whether I should quietly observe or join in the enthusiasm. It feels like an identity crisis—where do I fit in?
And then there’s the pressure to volunteer. I can almost hear my inner voice pleading with coaches not to make eye contact with me. My sports knowledge is limited to distinguishing between a football and a baseball, so I certainly don’t feel equipped to take charge. I’ve picked up a few rules, but I’m still overwhelmed. I’m trying to stick to low-key tasks, like providing snacks, while worrying if I’m being too “weird” with my healthy choices. I can help adjust hair bows and offer thanks to coaches, but I don’t want to be labeled as the overly enthusiastic parent.
As I prepare for the upcoming months of continuous basketball games, I can already hear the buzzers, squeaking shoes, and cheers. Honestly, I know I should just show up—it matters to my kids. But I can’t shake the awkwardness that comes with not knowing the ropes. It feels like I’m back in middle school, navigating a world that feels foreign.
I’ve decided to stick to what I know best: I’ll be in the stands with snacks, water bottles, and a clueless smile, asking my spouse, “What just happened?”
I may not fit the mold of a typical sports mom, but I will always be a proud mom.
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Summary:
Navigating the world of youth sports as a parent can be overwhelming, especially if you weren’t a sports enthusiast growing up. From understanding game rules to fitting in with the more enthusiastic sports parents, it’s easy to feel out of place. Yet, being present for your kids and supporting them is what truly matters.