I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d become a soccer mom. Nor a football or baseball mom, for that matter. My family moved to the United States as new immigrants when I was a young girl, and I never learned to fully appreciate the concept of team sports.
Instead, I learned to play piano and stumbled through ballet and jazz classes. As a pre-teen, I was the one during P.E. class that “sat out” of team activities, complaining of cramps or whatever excuse I could find. Turns out I had no idea what I was missing.
I now have two boys who are active in soccer, football, and baseball. I never knew how fun and fulfilling it would be to watch my kids play – and the amount of good it’s done for both of them.
Here are just a few reasons I’ll continue to support (and drive them to) their team sports practices, games, and activities.
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- Building confidence. As one of my fellow contributors said, these game skills will translate to skills down the road.
- Bringing the family together. This is such an added bonus – instead of trying to find a family activity that suits all of us, we pack our snacks and foldable chairs and gear up for a game on Saturday. There is no place I’d rather be and no one I’d rather be with, than a spectator watching my kids on the field on a beautiful fall day.
- Learning the value of the team. One of the things that has struck me when I watch my younger son play soccer, is they take to the knee (all the players kneel on one knee) when a fellow player is hurt.
- Keeping them focused and out of trouble. There are so many minefields out there for young teen boys, and while we can’t protect our kids from everything, studies show that kids engaged in team sports are less likely to be drawn to the bad stuff.
- Promoting good health. Even if they do not win any medals, I’m happy and appreciative to see my kids actively engaged and outdoors breathing in the good air.
- Practicing Perseverance. Again, from my fellow contributor, it helps them know when to stick it out and keep pushing.