How to Be a Sports Parent

Why, yes! That is @LisaLeslie D-ing up my boy. 

Be punctual for shoot-around and bonding time.

See the kids horsing around, look around

to find your correct cheering section,

don’t want to be amidst the visiting team’s base.

Settle in for your bonding, too: who brought

the post-game snacks? When’s the next game? Did you see

how big the other team is? Let’s hope coach gets this right!

The whistle blows, conversations end get ready

with your-

“Wow,”

“You can do it,”

“Yes, I saw that”

“Don’t give up,” faces.

Learn your kid’s teammates names to encourage

throughout the games, good sportsmanship

starts from the bench.  Be positive even when your team

is in a hole. And when they fall behind a whole

quarter, help that parent, you know the one,

that takes the game too, seriously and is on edge,

to calm down. Laugh, not meanly, when a bunch of kids

fall down like bowling pins, hustling after the ball.

Fantasize about what calls you’d make

if you were coaching the team, smiling big knowing your

game plan would secure a win. The whistle blows

kids line up ready for the slap of the hands and “good game” routine.

Be ready with the after-game snacks and bottles

of water when the your kid comes out the coach’s huddle.

Give your kid a pat on the back, kiss on the cheek, say goodbye

to the others “We’ll see you next week!”.


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