If you’ve ever been involved with sports you’ll know exactly what I am saying and you’ll have names and scenarios to each type of parent. We have the one’s trying to live through their kids, we have the parents that support their kid whether they are the best or worst on the team and lastly we have that ex-college standout that doesn’t doubt for a minute that their child is following in their footsteps.
1.The Vicarious Wanna-be
Most of you already know what I am talking about. They are the parents that wish they could of played back in the day. The vicarious wanna-be parent is that parent that we often refer to as the sideline screamer. We all have seen them and we definitely have heard them. These are the parents at the under 6 REC games screaming their head off, telling there kid to destroy the kid in front of him. As the athletes we shake our head at this parent thinking that kid doesn’t even know whether he is playing baseball or soccer at the moment. Just remember, if your parent is the vicarious wanna-be, they don’t know the tricks of the trade.
2.The Overbearing Supporter
These parents are the parents that don’t care whether you scored the winning goal for the other team or you, sat on the bench the whole time because no matter what every game was your best game. If you lose it was a hard fought battle and you gave it your all, if you won you did great, if you messed up 50 times you still were the greatest one out there. Next game you’ll get them, because you can do anything you want, because you’re great, you are awesome, what a tough game. You did great. These parents are the ones that keep to themselves, the ones that say very few words but the ones that keep it simple with a great game hunny. But we are all thinking… Mom, that was the worst game I have ever played.
3.The Washed-up Know It All
Last, but certainly not least. We all have those parents, coaching us up and down the sideline. Those parents that your best is just never good enough. You are either the champion of the world or you are the loser. We have all had those teammates that have turned to their parents, in disgust because they won’t stop coaching every kid around. The parent’s that think every sport is simple X’s and O’s, the simple A to B then you win. If only your team could score!!!...No way?! That’s how we win?? Johnny, just keep your eye on the ball!... Thanks captain obvious.
After all, every parent has their own way of cheering and coaching their kid. But through coaching little kids myself and playing sports for nearly 18 years… I truly have seen it all. The vicarious wanna-be… you are doing too much, let loose. The overbearing supporter, it’s okay to be honest and tell your kid you’ve seen better days. Lastly, the washed-up know it all, your kid has coaches for a reason, and they don’t need the extra sprints after games when they are 12… I promise if they love the sport, they will find their way. Just to end things without bashing our wonderful parents, you guys are all great, you have made for great stories and sometimes the “I don’t ever want to be like that” (just like you’ve said about your own parents at times) but after all we love you and plenty of you fall perfectly in-between all three, making you the perfect mixture of pushing us but supporting us.
**No hard feelings, it’s all in great humor. As athletes we all sit around and tell stories. So, mom and dad don’t get all worked up, you’ve been great role models and great supporters. Thank you for being tough but understanding the balance you are a few of the selective bunch that fall in-between.
