My Child’s Journey Would Look Different Without Sports

WRITTEN BY JUDITH EHRET

As parents, we often wonder about what our children will be when they grow up. We have dreams and hopes, and wish the best for them. There are some of us who will guide more strictly the things our kids do, and then those who choose to let the child find their own path. With all of this said, childhood sports may or may not play a part in the daily lives of your child and your family. It’s different for every kiddo and their parents.

My child was born with ambition to be an athlete. Therefore, my honorable place in his life is to guide him with honest support along the way. As his mother, I take pride in knowing that this process and these dreams of his are not always going to be easy. Not only do sports take dedication on the part of a young athlete, but they also take dedication from the family, especially when your child takes them as seriously as mine does.

Being a supportive parent means cheering, teaching and wiping tears along the way. It also means building relationships; setting up values for life; modeling responsibilities, dedication and hard work. Sometimes these lessons will be harder to convey, but every uphill navigation makes us better and also brings us closer to the dreams we so want to pursue.

Without sports, my child would be in a different place with different skills. I believe he wouldn’t be the raw, genuine and honest person he has become. There are so many things he has learned about being a young man. Being a good human being. Keeping his word. Being humble and kind. Being the first person to lend a hand. Working hard. Setting goals and being willing to learn.

Because of sports, my child is coachable therefore he is teachable. My child has willpower; therefore, he strives to do better than he did the day before. Because of sports, my child is a good teammate, therefore he is a great friend. My child can lead; therefore, he can communicate and strategize. Because of sports, my child has passion, therefore he is empathetic. My child is motivated; therefore, he can encourage someone else to be motivated.

Sports have not only become important to my child, they have also become something I look forward to being part of. And I believe they keep my child on track for success. Playing sports not only keeps kids on track for physical well-being and development, but it also aligns nicely with academic success.

Because of sports, my child is coachable therefore he is teachable. My child has willpower; therefore, he strives to do better than he did the day before. Because of sports, my child is a good teammate, therefore he is a great friend. My child can lead; therefore, he can communicate and strategize. Because of sports, my child has passion, therefore he is empathetic. My child is motivated; therefore, he can encourage someone else to be motivated.

Life comes with many choices. Sports was one for my child. With all that being said, he has choices in attitude, hard work, doing extra, eating right, practicing harder, competing harder, studying longer and the choice to understand the gratitude that comes along with it.

Judith Ehret is an Instructional Coach at Child Care Connections.