I fear if I’m not careful, this is what I’ll become…the crazy soccer mom. I’m not talking about the cliche “soccer mom” that has evolved into its own strange entity. Not the “soccer mom” with a million negative connotations. I’m not going there. I’m simply talking about a mom whose kid plays soccer and she goes to watch. That’s me…soccer mom…except …I’m a little worried I might be a bit crazed.
I’ll rewind here and tell you why. This past weekend we attended my son’s first real soccer game. After a couple years of kiddie soccer…there we were…youth soccer league in all its glory. Still, he’s on the under 6 team and the focus is on learning technique and having fun.
Yes, having fun. No score keeping. Everyone plays. Everyone has fun. He has a wonderful coach and a wonderful group of kids and parents.
As we arrive at the soccer field amid a slew of parents, kids, team banners, and coolers packed with half-time snacks…we scramble for a place to sit. Our son is on the field warming up and we set up our chairs prepared to sit back and enjoy the game.
For some reason, my husband is unable to sit down. He’s nervously pacing the sidelines. Did I mention he was quite the soccer player back in the day? His anxiousness seems to rub off on me and I cannot sit either. Poor Little Sister is left trailing behind us up and down the sidelines.
Big Brother’s team is so adorable in their uniforms and they really seem to know what they’re doing. I’m so impressed. The game starts and suddenly, I’m swept up in it all. My mouth seems on overdrive and I can’t seem to silence the constant cheers and words of encouragement spewing from my mouth.
“You can do it!”
“Good job (insert any or all team member’s names, I’m sure I said them all) !”
Judging by the hoarseness of my voice at the end of the game, I don’t think my cheering ever stopped. Were the other parents glaring and gawking at me in disbelief? I don’t know because I honestly wasn’t even paying attention. For some reason, I had assigned myself the sole task of head cheerleader.
And my husband? Surely I could count on him to gently nudge me and motion for me to pipe down. Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found. In the midst of my over zealous cheering, I glance over to see him standing behind the goal post giving Big Brother some pointers. Ugh! We’re doomed.
We are the crazy soccer parents. And, for two people who are normally pretty low key and soft spoken…we never saw this coming.
Next thing you know, I’ll be clad in a cheerleader uniform, waving my poms poms like a maniac. Nooo…I would never do that…or…would I?
We need help. My husband even had the nerve to ask what the score was at the end of the game. This time I snapped to my senses and reminded him: “we don’t keep score honey, this is for fun!”
There is a glimmer of hope.
If I keep carrying on like I did for our opening game, I’m sure to be dubbed the crazy soccer mom. However, now I have a game plan and this is what I’m going to do:
- I’m going to keep my cheering to an acceptable level of support but not cross the line to annoyance.
- Sit in my chair and have the water handy when my sweaty little soccer player comes in for a water break.
- Not worry or care so much that our adorable little players are kicking the soccer ball enthusiastically into the wrong goal.
- Dutifully help with the snacks and give gentle words of encouragement instead of constantly shouting “Go!” or “You can do it!” at the top of my lungs.
- Remind my husband that his place is next to me, in his chair. If he must roam the sidelines, he better be taking pictures.
- Finally…I will accept that my cheerleader days are long gone and leave the perky, rhyming chants to the younger siblings on hand.
So, there you have it…I will not become the crazy soccer mom.
Tell me…do you ever feel you have to reign yourself in at your children’s sporting events?
i'm keeping my kids far far away from soccer….or t-ball…..or peewee football. i know myself too well, and i would be outta control! we went to my cousin's state tourney baseball game (little league) and i had myself AND all three kids dressed in team colors, signs made, and had my massive camera at the ready. good thing matthew feeds on that sort of attention…..but i think that my kids would be mortified. at least, the would if they're anything like i was when i was little. my mom wasn't even allowed to BE at any of my games when i was in high school!
i'm keeping my kids far far away from soccer….or t-ball…..or peewee football. i know myself too well, and i would be outta control! we went to my cousin's state tourney baseball game (little league) and i had myself AND all three kids dressed in team colors, signs made, and had my massive camera at the ready. good thing matthew feeds on that sort of attention…..but i think that my kids would be mortified. at least, the would if they're anything like i was when i was little. my mom wasn't even allowed to BE at any of my games when i was in high school!
I'm not quite there yet but I have watched this phenomenon with my sister and brother and their kids. Please do not be the guy that yells at the coach and the other kids! My old boss used to have to sit ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD, because all of the other parents hated him, because he was so competitive, he could not control himself. Stick with the game plan!
I'm not quite there yet but I have watched this phenomenon with my sister and brother and their kids. Please do not be the guy that yells at the coach and the other kids! My old boss used to have to sit ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD, because all of the other parents hated him, because he was so competitive, he could not control himself. Stick with the game plan!
Ha! Ellie did indoor soccer this spring and we were cheering the entire time but it was only because 2-3 year old soccer is a mess!
But I remember when we told Ellie that there was no score and she looked me straight in the face and said “Well how will we know who wins?” then later that day my sister came to the first game and I told her they don't keep score and she said “That's stupid, how will we know who wins?”
We're in big trouble over here, too! 😉
It's okay, I can be a Crazy Swim Mom. My son is just in lessons and I find myself cheering for him. Other parents look at me as though I grew a ball on my head or something.
It's okay, I can be a Crazy Swim Mom. My son is just in lessons and I find myself cheering for him. Other parents look at me as though I grew a ball on my head or something.
I am so terrified of becoming a soccer mom that I will not let Maya join a soccer team. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. I have a terribly competitive side and I'd rather she not see that. Any more than she already has!
I am so terrified of becoming a soccer mom that I will not let Maya join a soccer team. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. I have a terribly competitive side and I'd rather she not see that. Any more than she already has!
Oh Melissa! I know exactly how you feel! Just be thankful that your husband is not coaching. We have been involved in soccer for the past 12 years and it is so painful! I love watching the little punkins play but I have a hard time on the side lines. When Hubby is not coaching, I can not even sit near him because he is making comments and huffy noises.
Hang in there and stay focused on your side-line strategies and you will be fine!
Oh Melissa! I know exactly how you feel! Just be thankful that your husband is not coaching. We have been involved in soccer for the past 12 years and it is so painful! I love watching the little punkins play but I have a hard time on the side lines. When Hubby is not coaching, I can not even sit near him because he is making comments and huffy noises.
Hang in there and stay focused on your side-line strategies and you will be fine!
LOL…you made me laugh sis. I know the feeling I remember being the same way:) What was funny if another parent got that way I would look over, roll my eyes and think to myself, “Are they for real!”…then I would continue with my chanting, oblivious to my obnoxious behavior. Luckily they grow older. become more competitive so then the cheer leading outfit and loud cheering becomes more the norm…in fact you will feel out of place if you aren't up cheering them on. Good times!~XO
LOL…you made me laugh sis. I know the feeling I remember being the same way:) What was funny if another parent got that way I would look over, roll my eyes and think to myself, “Are they for real!”…then I would continue with my chanting, oblivious to my obnoxious behavior. Luckily they grow older. become more competitive so then the cheer leading outfit and loud cheering becomes more the norm…in fact you will feel out of place if you aren't up cheering them on. Good times!~XO
I saw you Mamapedia article! I left a comment there (once it gets approved).
I think you should enjoy yourself and not worry what the other parents think. I'm sure the kids love the attention!
I tend to be the anti-soccer mom. I'm the mom that is so busy chit-chatting with the other moms that I don't even watch parts of the game sometimes. This really ticks my husband off!
I saw you Mamapedia article! I left a comment there (once it gets approved).
I think you should enjoy yourself and not worry what the other parents think. I'm sure the kids love the attention!
I tend to be the anti-soccer mom. I'm the mom that is so busy chit-chatting with the other moms that I don't even watch parts of the game sometimes. This really ticks my husband off!
Very funny! There's nothing wrong with support. It's only a problem if you start criticizing the coach or complaining about the other team. Enjoy the fun. I bet your son loved your cheering!
Very funny! There's nothing wrong with support. It's only a problem if you start criticizing the coach or complaining about the other team. Enjoy the fun. I bet your son loved your cheering!
Nothing yet. We're on our fourth practice/game session and when she scored a goal I jumped out of my chair and yelled “go Julia”. That made her happier than anything. I'll keep being excited for her and if that bothers anyone then the rest of the fans can suck it!
I love this! My daughter just started her 8th season playing soccer so I've been around the field a few times (why does that sound bad??!). I have been noticing lately that the older the kids get, the more directed (and stupid) the yellers seem to get! It borders on actual coaching, which they don't apparently want to leave to the actual coach. Most years I have cheered and cheered like you…positive, rooting for each kid by name, etc… But this year, I am trying something new. Just sitting and watching the game, clapping when someone scores or the goalie catches the ball. And then I get to hear what everyone else is saying!
Funny post….go get those pom poms!
I love this! My daughter just started her 8th season playing soccer so I've been around the field a few times (why does that sound bad??!). I have been noticing lately that the older the kids get, the more directed (and stupid) the yellers seem to get! It borders on actual coaching, which they don't apparently want to leave to the actual coach. Most years I have cheered and cheered like you…positive, rooting for each kid by name, etc… But this year, I am trying something new. Just sitting and watching the game, clapping when someone scores or the goalie catches the ball. And then I get to hear what everyone else is saying!
Funny post….go get those pom poms!
OMG I'm exactly the same way! I yell the entire time! All encouraging stuff, but I can't seem to make myself shut up! The only time I stop is when I have to chase my toddler who's intent on getting on the field or pulling down the flags. Eldest is on u7. My daughter had her first game (she's U5) and I also never shut up. What is WRONG with me? I so wish our kids played on the same team so we could cheer together!
OMG I'm exactly the same way! I yell the entire time! All encouraging stuff, but I can't seem to make myself shut up! The only time I stop is when I have to chase my toddler who's intent on getting on the field or pulling down the flags. Eldest is on u7. My daughter had her first game (she's U5) and I also never shut up. What is WRONG with me? I so wish our kids played on the same team so we could cheer together!
I am just the opposite. The quiet silent mom. Sometimes I feel bad because other moms are screaming their kids names, even my kids names. I am just not a screamer. What I find funny is when people are saying sort of quietly to themselves things like – go get him, move, go, right, defense. – Like they can hear them or something. I sitting next to them can hardly hear them.
I am just the opposite. The quiet silent mom. Sometimes I feel bad because other moms are screaming their kids names, even my kids names. I am just not a screamer. What I find funny is when people are saying sort of quietly to themselves things like – go get him, move, go, right, defense. – Like they can hear them or something. I sitting next to them can hardly hear them.
aghhh… all the wonderful things you'd never thought you'd be … until you have kids that is. to me crazy soccer mom is sooo much better than just “crazy mom”. enjoy the new role.
aghhh… all the wonderful things you'd never thought you'd be … until you have kids that is. to me crazy soccer mom is sooo much better than just “crazy mom”. enjoy the new role.
I think a little soccer mom is good for all of us. I had a trainer in a sport once that told my parents they should stop coming to my competitions. Looking back I wish I had told her to piss off! You go with your cheering self! Supporting our kids is what moms are for!
I think a little soccer mom is good for all of us. I had a trainer in a sport once that told my parents they should stop coming to my competitions. Looking back I wish I had told her to piss off! You go with your cheering self! Supporting our kids is what moms are for!
you are definitely worse than we were! though kate's soccer was the same – no score and we even did a tunnel at the end of every game!
you are definitely worse than we were! though kate's soccer was the same – no score and we even did a tunnel at the end of every game!
This sounds familiar. I was the crazy tennis mom this summer. The nice thing is that I sat right next to another crazy tennis mom, and we cheered on each other's kids, too.
Encouragement comes from such a soft place in the heart, and kids know that. Your kids won't remember your level of craziness; they'll remember that you were involved and cheered them on.
This sounds familiar. I was the crazy tennis mom this summer. The nice thing is that I sat right next to another crazy tennis mom, and we cheered on each other's kids, too.
Encouragement comes from such a soft place in the heart, and kids know that. Your kids won't remember your level of craziness; they'll remember that you were involved and cheered them on.
Oh yes, I know just what you mean. I can imagine being the same way. My daughter is starting soccer/tball this week, so we will see. But, while my husband was practicing with her, he had to kick me out of the backyard bc I kept interrupting his “coaching”.
Both of my kids have played soccer for years and I hate to admit that “crazy soccer mom” has emerged on more than one occasion. It's like this alien being takes over my body and I begin saying things that are completely obnoxious. Going nutty with the encouragement and pointers (like I know anything about soccer.) Thankfully, I'm able to keep her subdued most of the time. ;0)
Both of my kids have played soccer for years and I hate to admit that “crazy soccer mom” has emerged on more than one occasion. It's like this alien being takes over my body and I begin saying things that are completely obnoxious. Going nutty with the encouragement and pointers (like I know anything about soccer.) Thankfully, I'm able to keep her subdued most of the time. ;0)
My whole family played soccer and my parents coached and we all obnoxiously cheered for our teams!You are in no danger of being the crazy soccer mom unless you are insulting and slurring the other U-6 team members:)LOL You are just enthusiastic and excited, swelling with pride.Don't feel bad about it! You are an awesome Mommy.My girls dance and model. I am not a stage Mom, but I know my chest puffs a little and I always have a sore face from smiling for support for my girls. But you should see me at my nephews' soccer games:)LOL Happy Mothering!
http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com/
My whole family played soccer and my parents coached and we all obnoxiously cheered for our teams!You are in no danger of being the crazy soccer mom unless you are insulting and slurring the other U-6 team members:)LOL You are just enthusiastic and excited, swelling with pride.Don't feel bad about it! You are an awesome Mommy.My girls dance and model. I am not a stage Mom, but I know my chest puffs a little and I always have a sore face from smiling for support for my girls. But you should see me at my nephews' soccer games:)LOL Happy Mothering!
http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com/
Oh, even though we aren't there yet… I can definitely see myself needing to have some internal “guidelines”… a soccer mom's code of conduct written by me for me. There's a fine line between being supporting, encouraging and affirming… and being obnoxious, overbearing, and pushy. Ugh. I sure don't want to be the pushy mom! And I don't think you need to worry about it Melissa. The pushy mom only cares about her own kid. Even if you are a little vocal (heh heh), at least you're inclusive with your encouragement for the whole team of little rascals! Sounds like fun to me… and I like your list of rules. Let us know how you go. 😉
Melissa, I think these are great tips. I haven't had this experience yet, but I could see myself easily getting fixated on the cheering too…except I was never a cheerleader…I was one of the band geeks who would happily play the Funeral March when the other team was down and out on their luck
Melissa, I think these are great tips. I haven't had this experience yet, but I could see myself easily getting fixated on the cheering too…except I was never a cheerleader…I was one of the band geeks who would happily play the Funeral March when the other team was down and out on their luck
Being loud with the cheers is fine in my book. Over here I like how the kids keep their water bottles on the side opposite the parents. Once a mom was freaking cuz our team's goalie was making mistakes and she was loudly complaining. I still am disappointed in myself that I didn't have words with her.
Being loud with the cheers is fine in my book. Over here I like how the kids keep their water bottles on the side opposite the parents. Once a mom was freaking cuz our team's goalie was making mistakes and she was loudly complaining. I still am disappointed in myself that I didn't have words with her.
This is so hilarious! I agree with the person who said they're the opposite–I'm like that too, the quiet soccer mom. I'm not a shy person, but I have a hard time taking on that cheerleader role…not sure why. And then of course I feel like I HAVE to cheer for my own kid, but the person sitting next to me seems startled after an hour of silence to suddenly hear “GO ISAAC!” So then I try not to yell too loud which is even weirder (What's with the crazy lady mumbling to herself under her breath?)
It's so funny how we all struggle to find the “right” level of participation!
This is so hilarious! I agree with the person who said they're the opposite–I'm like that too, the quiet soccer mom. I'm not a shy person, but I have a hard time taking on that cheerleader role…not sure why. And then of course I feel like I HAVE to cheer for my own kid, but the person sitting next to me seems startled after an hour of silence to suddenly hear “GO ISAAC!” So then I try not to yell too loud which is even weirder (What's with the crazy lady mumbling to herself under her breath?)
It's so funny how we all struggle to find the “right” level of participation!
This is impeccable timing b/c my girls' first soccer game is Saturday. My daughter Izzy will be out of commission since she's having hernia surgery this afternoon, but Abby will be at the ready. My husband will be going solo and I bet he'll be doing the same thing yours did, only mine wasn't a star soccer player back in the day. I'm so glad to read these tips ahead of time! LOL
I also drive a minivan. So does that make me the stereotypical soccer mom now? (my twins will only be 5 in December, though)
This is impeccable timing b/c my girls' first soccer game is Saturday. My daughter Izzy will be out of commission since she's having hernia surgery this afternoon, but Abby will be at the ready. My husband will be going solo and I bet he'll be doing the same thing yours did, only mine wasn't a star soccer player back in the day. I'm so glad to read these tips ahead of time! LOL
I also drive a minivan. So does that make me the stereotypical soccer mom now? (my twins will only be 5 in December, though)
Visiting you from Melinda's place.
Congratulations on your award!
And, yes, I've been there…well, not at a soccer game.
I live in Alabama, and we play football here.
But anyway, the craziness is pretty much the same.
Sweet dreams,
Deb
Visiting you from Melinda's place.
Congratulations on your award!
And, yes, I've been there…well, not at a soccer game.
I live in Alabama, and we play football here.
But anyway, the craziness is pretty much the same.
Sweet dreams,
Deb
This is hilarious because that is us completely. My husband and I, though both reserved, turn into crazy people at the games. It's amazing what our kids bring out in us!
This is hilarious because that is us completely. My husband and I, though both reserved, turn into crazy people at the games. It's amazing what our kids bring out in us!
I've had to remind myself to reel it in on many occasions! We've got two playing soccer and one playing football this season, and it's easy to get swept up in it.
I don't know much about soccer. And though I've watched countless games, I still don't really understand the intricacies. Last year, during his little brother's games, Adam reminded me, ever so gently of a list of appropriate phrases. I was apparently not only embarrassing, but giving poor advice. I was allowed to say, “Good job!” “Way to go!” and the occasional “Good try!”
Rarely, he'd permit me to urge them to “Work together!” But, like I said, that was rare.
You need to bring a tween aged kid, they're very easily embarrassed and will most certainly keep you in check.
Have a fun season!
I've had to remind myself to reel it in on many occasions! We've got two playing soccer and one playing football this season, and it's easy to get swept up in it.
I don't know much about soccer. And though I've watched countless games, I still don't really understand the intricacies. Last year, during his little brother's games, Adam reminded me, ever so gently of a list of appropriate phrases. I was apparently not only embarrassing, but giving poor advice. I was allowed to say, “Good job!” “Way to go!” and the occasional “Good try!”
Rarely, he'd permit me to urge them to “Work together!” But, like I said, that was rare.
You need to bring a tween aged kid, they're very easily embarrassed and will most certainly keep you in check.
Have a fun season!
ok, this is uncanny. my most recent post is about being a 'soccer mom' but i've defined it myself. we're just starting down this road, the kid is 5. i'm sorta a cheerleader, when i can tear my eyes away from the other parents 😉
ok, this is uncanny. my most recent post is about being a 'soccer mom' but i've defined it myself. we're just starting down this road, the kid is 5. i'm sorta a cheerleader, when i can tear my eyes away from the other parents 😉
Yep, that's me! You are not alone, my dear. My daughter is 11 playing on a U13 team and I am a basket case. She is tall for her age but looks like a midget compared to the girls she plays against. Hello puberty!! Thank God she is quick and has good foot skills to avoid the Mack truck hunting her down.:)
At least you are yelling positive things. There are so many parents that constantly berate their children from the side lines. I will take a loud “Way to go” in my ear every time over “You gotta make a better pass!”
Yell away, I say. Yell away. They know you are there and are cheering for them. What an awesome feeling for them! 😉
Yep, that's me! You are not alone, my dear. My daughter is 11 playing on a U13 team and I am a basket case. She is tall for her age but looks like a midget compared to the girls she plays against. Hello puberty!! Thank God she is quick and has good foot skills to avoid the Mack truck hunting her down.:)
At least you are yelling positive things. There are so many parents that constantly berate their children from the side lines. I will take a loud “Way to go” in my ear every time over “You gotta make a better pass!”
Yell away, I say. Yell away. They know you are there and are cheering for them. What an awesome feeling for them! 😉