Sideline Reporter: Fall Flag Football Season Has Begun

With the kids back in school, the fall sports season has arrived.  Last year, Ethan ventured into the world of soccer.  This year, he chose flag football.  Apparently, my spring flag football league had an influence on his decision.

View from the Sideline

If you have been on the sidelines of any children’s athletic event, it is a very interesting sociological study.  We all have different parenting philosophies, styles, and tactics.  These differences manifest themselves on the sideline.

Before I go too far, let me admit something.  I am highly judgmental of other parents.  It’s like watching the “Jerry Springer Show” and taking solace in the fact that your problems aren’t really that bad.  Sure it’s schadenfreud, but what’s more American than that?  (Do you like how I wrapped myself in the Stars and Stripes to avoid ownership of that?)

I find myself most fascinated by the parents who have decided that their child’s performance is the single defining measurement of their personal status.  Yeah, I’m talking about those parents who are shouting instructions onto the field, scolding mistakes, and shaming the child for all to hear.  I also like those parents who have adrenaline flowing as much as Bill Cowhers did in his heydays as Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But I digress.  

What I love about sports is the opportunity it is for our kids to experience team building and working in groups.  They learn discipline and the importance of doing their part to help the team.  They get to experience failure and the thrill of victory.  They get to go in harms way.  They get to get picked up from the ground and hugged until the tears stop.

Let’s not spoil that by wrapping ourselves around how their actions and inactions reflect upon us as parents.  Let’s step back and realize that we can only do so much.  The rest is up to them.  We can love them and guide them.  We can teach them and comfort them.  But they have to be on the field, playing their position, and figuring out how to become a better person.  

Yes, we can be on the sidelines cheering them on and pointing out the great things their teammates are doing, too.  That’s right, our kids need to hear other adult voices cheering them on and encouraging them.

That’s what I think at least.  What do you think?