Sports Moms Who Do It All
As a mom of a teenager, I have come to realize just how important moms and dads are in their the child’s choice of athletics during school. I can honestly say a few things about what being a sports mom really means. Now, just like all of the parents out there, my son did all of the little league, soccer, t-ball, flag football teams but when he decided that swimming was his sport of choice, things got a bit different.
I have driven thousands of miles and sat on uncomfortable bleachers for days at a time starting when my son was 5 and he joined a competition swimming team. Every night, 4-5 days a week we were at the pool for 2 hours. My son has learned how to do homework in the car and change clothes on the fly. It takes him a lot to get cold as he is used to swimming in pouring rain and 35 degree weather. Mom has learned to never forget to bring extra towels, sunscreen, snacks, water or Gatorade to any event we attend.
Fast forward to today. Now the kid is in high school and swims on the varsity team and plays varsity waterpolo. We have graduated to the big leagues and that means getting up every day at 5:30am so he can be in the water by 6 am. He seldom gets home before 4:30, every weekday. And on weekends, there are scrimmages and tournaments, not to mention the 3 hours he spent every day during the summer just getting in shape for this. For the Sports Mom, that means adjusting the work schedule to fit the new wake up time. Some days that is easy, other days I could fall asleep right here in my office chair.
I really want to whine about it, but when I think about the fact that it is not me actually swimming before and after school and getting my chores done and homework as well as having a girlfriend and a life, well then there is not much for me to whine about. So I think I will just go make another cup of coffee and be proud of my kid and know that there are thousands of Sports Moms out there right along with me.
Hurray to the Sports Moms and Dad that give as much as possible to their athletes! We are forming the next generation proudly!