My family and I recently dove into tackle football due to my son’s growing interest and enthusiasm for the sport, having previously played flag football for three seasons. Initially, my husband and I were apprehensive, knowing that football involves direct contact and we were uncertain if we or our son were prepared for it. But, he was insistent and when I found out a couple of his other buddies were going to be on the same team, we gave in.
Growing up watching football with my dad gave me a solid foundation in the basics of the game. However, there are still instances where I find myself asking my husband to explain certain calls or provide insights into specific plays. Little did I know that these early tackle football games for eight-year-olds would be so intense and emotional! According to my friends, their children’s youth sports experiences are equally intense.
After witnessing a couple of my son’s games, I have some thoughts on the wide world of youth sports, specifically tackle football.
In my opinion, it is never acceptable for foul language and targeting to occur on the field, stage, ice rink or any other arena where your child is playing. Every game — from board games to football and baseball — has a set of rules, and failing to follow them carries consequences. Unfortunately, I’ve observed that some youth are being encouraged to act unsportsmanlike and disregard rules, which is in direct contrast to the athletes we saw in the Summer Olympics, who showed respect for their opponents and adhered to the rules.
I am of the opinion that the same standards apply in professional sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and others. Unacceptable behavior carries penalties and consequences. When I enrolled my third grader in this football season, my aim was for him to learn the fundamentals of the game, enhance his skills, and develop teamwork while nurturing his passion for football. However, I did not expect to witness the trash-talking, physical threats, and name-calling exhibited by some opposing teams during this season. I know, I know…trash-talking is seen as a part of the game by some. However, there is a distinction between playful banter and being outright mean. I want my son to feel disappointment when he doesn’t perform well or his team doesn’t win, but I don’t want him to be discouraged by negative behaviors from opposing teams to the extent that he gives up on the sport prematurely.
Additionally, it is challenging for me to resist the urge to comfort my son if he suffers an injury or feels unwell due to overexertion. I understand that he is growing up and will eventually be taller than me, but for now, he is still my little boy, and when he is in pain, it hurts me too. It has also been difficult to resist comforting him if he cries during a practice or a game, but instead encourage him to be resilient and strong. In the grand scheme of things, I understand that he will benefit more if I don’t overly coddle him for every minor injury, but he is only eight-years-old. It has been a delicate balance for me to determine when to step in and when to allow him to handle situations on the field independently.
As parents, we take cues from our children in order to understand where their interests lie and based on that, we decide where to invest our money, time, and effort.
Balancing my daughter’s dance schedule and my son’s football commitments means that I practically live in my car. However, I always remind myself that my children are in the process of pursuing their passions, and as long as they are happy, I am fully committed to supporting them in every way possible. At times, I find myself uncertain about the appropriate level of parental support to show on the sidelines. It appears to me that the values I instill in my children at home, such as kindness, respect, and compassion, are not always evident in some of the other children my son encounters in these games.
One aspect I truly appreciate while watching a sports game is witnessing a player from the opposing team extend a helping hand to a fallen opponent. This sort of gesture signifies that although we are competitors, we can still demonstrate respect and kindness towards each other. These valuable life lessons are among the many things children can learn from sports or hobbies, and as parents, it is our responsibility to impart these lessons to our kids. Therefore, I urge parents to be the ones who set the example for our children, teaching them that we can maintain our drive for success and strive to win while showing kindness and consideration towards each other.
