You are about to embark on a journey through the world of sports with your children. Whether it's at the grassroots or "rep" level, one way or another, it will be memorable.
If you go in expecting the worst, you will miss something very special.
You only get one chance to be a sports parent. Don't blow it. How you enjoy the experience directly impacts how your child will feel about sports.
Enjoy the sunny days with other parents while your children play their game.
If you live above 45'N Latitude, enjoy the chill at the ice rink at 6am. If you don't realize it
immediately, you will realize later it was a good time. Our hockey coach told us once he was jealous because we spent the entire practice laughing.
Enjoy the pool parties. If your coach doesn't organize one, you do it.
Enjoy the group breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Enjoy the carpools and the group stops at highway restaurants.
Enjoy "people watching".
Enjoy watching and listening to the parents who think they know more than the refs, coaches and convenors. They are more entertaining than annoying.
Enjoy pretending you're on a diet while your child's team stops at burger joints, pizza places and ice cream parlours.
Enjoy becoming an expert on local geography. I remember saying "Where the hell is East Gwillimbury ?" or Dorchester. or Wilson .
If you have a chance to help coach or organize, enjoy that too. If you can't coach or organize, then enjoy yourself while letting them do their jobs.
"You get one chance to be a sports parent. Don't blow it."Enjoy the phenomenon of your child asking to stop for a treat, not mentioning the game unless you bring it up.
Enjoy the parent who spends the entire game on their cell phone. They're funny, especially when they want the entire sideline to hear their conversation. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah RUN BECCA RUN blah blah blah blah SHOOT!!!! blah blah blah
Enjoy cheering for every player on both teams, and the young referee, and watch their parents think you're crazy. (been there, done that, still crazy)
Take a lot of pictures, share them and enjoy them now and later. Make sure every child has an action shot. Use this camera cheat sheet to help you. (Indoor action shots require a better camera and some expertise.)
If you need to park a little further away, enjoy the walk. Your cooler and lawn chair are not that heavy. If it's winter, buy a hockey bag with wheels. And take the crowded parking lot to mean there are a lot of other people enjoying the day with you.
Enjoy letting the coach do their job while you enjoy being a parent. If you are a parent coach, enjoy both jobs.
Enjoy getting to know parents from other teams. It's a nice thing.
Enjoy the other families. Many of the parents on your child's teams will become your friends. Good friends.
Enjoy it all, because in a few years it will all be over ... and you'll miss it. I enjoyed it and I do miss it.
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