game on
sports social circle
What Happens (To Me)
When They Don’t Play?
There’s no denying it—children’s sports have
changed a ton over the last generation. Think about
it—when you played high school baseball, basket-
ball or tennis, did your parents devote the bulk of
their free time to your sport? Probably not.
These days, however, it’s not uncommon for an entire family to
devote much of their free time, including frequent overnight
trips and weekends, to travel ball or club sports. In fact, it’s be-
come fairly common for a parent’s entire social circle to revolve
around their teen’s sport. This fairly new phenomenon comes
with plenty of perks, but what about the downside?
Under pressure
When mom and dad enjoy the social aspect of their teen’s sport
it can be tempting to encourage them to keep playing even after
their interest has waned. If your teen confides in you that they
are no longer enjoying the sport, need more time for their school
work, or want to try something else with their free time, be sure
to hear them out. If you feel inclined to talk them into staying
with it, take a sincere look at your motivations.
Fear of missing out
Teenagers aren’t the only ones who are susceptible to peer pres-
sure. Sometimes parents can get a little too wrapped up in the
idea of keeping up and feeling that their family has to be a part of
what it seems like everyone else is doing.
Getting cut
When your teen gets cut, of course your biggest concern will
be your teen’s disappointment and heartbreak. But when your
weekends have been trips with the same group of families week-
end after weekend, it can be a difficult adjustment for the whole
family, including mom and dad! Remember to keep perspective,
and as you encourage your teen to try new things make sure you
are taking the time to do the same.
Letting Go
If you’ve spent the past few years being the football mom or the
softball dad, it can be hard to let that go. But maybe it’s all just
a necessary (if painful) part of a bigger “letting go” as your teen
prepares to leave for college.
44 |
Summer 2017
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