Being a good baseball mom isn’t about pushing your kid to be the best, most competitive player. A lot of moms think they have to be tough on their kids so the kids become tougher, but I can tell you from all the kids I’ve talked to including my own, they just want you to be a “mom”.
If they have a bad game and make a lot of mistakes, they want you to be the one who hugs them and tells them they gave a great effort. They probably don’t even really want to talk about it. Maybe they already got some criticism from the coaches, the other players, Dad, or the other parents who sometimes make groans and noises when kids make mistakes. They don’t want to hear it from you so just bite your tongue, Mom.
They don’t want to hear you go over every play of the game they were involved in, and how they should have kept their glove down or should have swung at that third strike. They already know that. Maybe you could even change the subject (and I don’t mean start talking about their school work!) They feel bad enough already. Just tell them that everyone has a bad game and give them hugs. Maybe even go get some ice cream.
A player’s mom needs to be their “go-to” for love and nurturing. That’s what they really want from their baseball mom. The good thing is that most kids tend to forget about the game fairly quickly and are able to move on to something new. Be there to smile and take on the rest of the day with them with all of your love.
How cool, ItÂ’ a wonderful thing to involve your child in sports. When they love the game, it’s awesome to watch them taking part and developing as a player etc etc. I reckon this sort of thing effects the defining line between children who succeed at sports and those who don’’t. Great article – really enjoyed reading this ( a refreshing change! )
Thanks for visiting my page, Chris. I think you’re right about the success part. I also don’t want my kids to hate me for nagging. 🙂
What you say in your article is so true. Kids just want to know you will be there with love and support whether they have a good game or a bad one. I remember playing baseball as a kid, and my parents weren’t so focused on the result (of course they were proud if I had a great game) as much as the effort I put forth. I guess that’s why I still play softball to this day. Great job!
Thanks for visiting my page and it sounds like you have really good parents. Your effort is the most important part and they were right. It’s nice to hear that you are still playing. 🙂
I truly agree with the things you say. And honestly it’s not only about being a good baseball mom. Its about right parenting – the best thing we can do when it comes to rising children is showing as much affection and acceptance as we can. If we do so, we are on the way we got to be… 🙂
Great review!
Adam
Thanks Adam. I really want my boys to know that they are loved and that my approval does not only come from them being great athletes, but from the effort and sportsmanship they show. 🙂
Hello, you ‘re absolutely right, of course, only a small number of children taking part in sport can become professional, so it’s important to teach our children the importance of working with the team, the effort to overcome, respect for others and solidarity.
But all this must be wrapped in a context of family , not only in the context of competition .
A greeting.
Thanks Gus. There are so many benefits for kids playing in sports. Thanks for adding that. 🙂
I couldn’t agree with you more on this point. My kids don’t play baseball but I think this goes for all aspects of life. Your kids need you to be a good mom, not their coach.
Sometimes kids make mistakes, sometimes they get things wrong. And that’s exactly when they need their mom to be there and still be proud of them.
What advice would you give to someone that really wants to encourage their kids in sports, but doesn’t want to be too overbearing? Thanks
Thanks for your comments, Anne. I think as a mom of a sports kid you really just have to bite your tongue. It can be hard at times, especially if you’re very opinionated, but I just think mothers need to be the nurturers. The coach can be the one to teach and correct. Your kids need your love and approval. 🙂
Being a Good Baseball Mom – Baseball Mom Stuff
[…]This is where college recruiters go many times. Its tough for them to get to single games because of their budget (college baseball budget pales in comparison to football).[…]
Hi there. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Agree ?
Thanks for reading! 🙂