With the buzz of Superbowl Sunday, my little sports fan has been talking football all week! He runs around the room saying “hike,” and waits for us to chase and tackle him. He has gravitated to every different type of ball in the house. His Cubs hat has been in his hand for approximately 12 hours straight, including a nighttime trip to the crib. Drew is a boys boy. I loved when he was interested in the baby dolls and kitchen in the play areas, that was something I understood. I know how to play dolls or pretend to cook; it was some of my most favorite activities when I was a little girl. Of course I want Drew to be a normal boy but it leaves me slightly left out. I don’t know much about football, baseball, etc. His current knowledge base on the subject is about the same as mine! I have caught on to the game of hike, chase, tackle but what happens when he wants more? All of a sudden Drew is going to have a lot more in common with his dad and I’m going to be left out. As a parent, it’s our job to encourage our kids to find activities and interests. Would it be any different if Drew started playing the violin? I have never played the violin, nor really had an interest. If Drew took to it, I would do anything in my power to give him all the tools to excel at it. Plus, I would encourage him to play for me, go to his concerts and read up on tips for violinists. Is it any different with sports? If I want to stay involved in his interests, it will be my responsibility to encourage Drew to talk to me about his sports, see games he participates in and try to play with him. What happens when he sees that I have two left feet? Or that I throw like a girl? I can do everything in my power to support his interests but what if he doesn’t want to play with me? How do I stay engaged in his interests and hobbies when they surpass me in terms of knowledge and technique? I suppose we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Maybe I will have to be the one that comforts him the best when he is sick. Maybe I will have to be the one who does homework with him the best. Or maybe I’ll just have to be the best cheerleader at the sidelines. Either way I don’t want to be left out of any part of his life, even if it means liking sports 🙁
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I'm a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Until recently I was also an employee. Now that I'm a full time mom, I've decided to make my thoughts, concerns and feelings public.
I am neurotic, thoughtful, emotional and sometimes even crazy. Mostly, I have a lot to say and would like to share it. -
Well seeing as how some parents view their children's practices as a free hour for themselves instead of another way to bond with their children, your already a better parent! And Drew will see that even if mom doesn't understand everything that's happening on the field, you're there, cheering him on! And when he scores that first touchdown or make that first basket, it will feel like you made it too!