Why you should watch sports.

It's been soo long since I've blogged. Almost a year, actually. The last time I blogged, is precisely the last time I got my hair cut... so, if that tells you anything, at least you know it's because I've been busy! The things that spur me to blog are usually things that irritate me, or something I feel I've been judged for, or have the inclination to judge someone else for. Is that bad? I don't know. But I do feel I should issue a PSA every once in a while.

This time it's about sports. I can't make you watch the Superbowl, I can't force you to watch a game in the NBA finals, I know. I've tried, but I give up. (for now.)

But you need to watch your own child play. You need to be there. I've watched Nik play soccer since he was 4 (he's 10 now, and sometimes played fall & spring). He's been playing basketball just as long. He's played a few seasons of baseball, and is about to embark on his second season of football. Ethan has played the same sports, coinciding with Nik's at times, and Alex has played a season of soccer. I know it's a lot. I know it's super crazy chaos. I've packed lunches/snacks/cold water for games. I'm sure to have an outdoor quilt in the back of the van. I have the stroller ready to go, hats, sunscreen, bug spray. I have cash if we're hitting the ice cream truck, and balls, or other small toys to entertain the 4 who are not in the game. We've been outside in 60* games & practices, and in 100* games & practices. I've gone with a 2 week old baby, or 8 hot months pregnant.

But I can't not be there. Maybe it's me, maybe I'm weird and obsessive, but what if in that game, they have their moment? The time they've overcome something huge. Their first goal, their first kick, their first time in on offense, hitting every free throw, taking a charge, making a spectacular catch, a spot-on throw, broke someone's ankles, caught the game-ending pass, etc.

or more importantly...

What if it's their worst game? What if it's the game they dropped the ball when it mattered most, or they turned it over with seconds to go, down by 1? What if they're struggling and needing a boost? Or feeling like maybe this isn't their sport anymore, that they're letting their team down. That they're feeling like a failure?

Be there. I hate to use the "If I can do it, you can do it!", but I will. I see kids at these games, with no one there to watch. I do understand parents who have no choice, who have to work. Who are single parents, solely supporting their child. I do get it. But when I hear of the parents who didn't want to sit in the heat, needed a pedicure, didn't want the toddler/baby to be bored at the game - those situations hurt my heart. It's worth it, to experience everything with them. To be their rock. I mean, what else are we really here for?

It's inevitable that you'll miss something, it happens. But at least know you tried your best. Make it a point (as I do) to learn the names of all the kids on the team, clap for all of them, cheer them on. You can see their spirits lift when they hear their name being called from the sidelines.

I'd also like to point out that this is 100% applicable in LIFE. Not just sports. Be aware of your child's moments. (the definition of being a mommy.)

(off my soapbox now!)