BEING INVOLVED
INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR CHILD'S SPORTS

A friend of mine recently asked me if I could jot down some thoughts on the benefits of being involved in your children’s sports. “Sure”, I said, without too much thought. After all, I am involved in my child’s sports so I should be qualified.

So, I started thinking, what exactly does being involved mean? I currently coach, or rather co-coach Boys U-16 Soccer. I have also been an assistant coach and a head coach, a fundraiser and simply a helpful parent.  More importantly, I have been an involved parent. Meaning, I’ve attended practices and games to show support for my child and his team. Doing this is being involved in your child’s sports. The time that you spend, on the sidelines supporting him/her and their team is being involved. During the time spent driving to and from the games and practices you are discussing how the last game went or what was great about last practice because you were there, that is being involved.

So what are the benefits to me and my child? I currently coach my oldest child Corey. He is sixteen years old now and as everyone knows, those sometimes difficult teenage years can be challenging for parents and teens. I was pleased and proud when he asked me to step up and coach his team this year. That is a sign that our relationship is solid and that he is comfortable with me.

Sports have given us a common interest, a passion that we can share, and time together. Sports are not the only common interest we have, nor is it the only time we spend together.  But it is one more building block in the development of our lifetime relationship.

I think actions always speak louder than words, and when your child sees you there supporting him/her at games and practices week after week and year after year, that shows them love and dedication that goes beyond words.

To me the benefits of being involved is the bonding, the communication, the shared interest, the quality time together, the love and respect that come from your time investment. Let’s not forget the personal enjoyment of watching your child grow, develop, learn and having fun.

Being involved in your child’s sports is a huge opportunity for both of you to develop and grow together.  I can’t see the future and I don’t know what next year will bring.  I may never coach again, but I will always be involved in my child’s sports.

The Author of this article wanted to remain unnamed.  I can tell you though, that he is a good dad.  He is a hard worker and he always takes the time to develop the relationship with his kids.  My hat’s off to him.

-Editor

Click here to return to BEING A DAD page.