Charles Esther
Being a sports parent is an emotional roller coaster.
It is filled with highs, lows, victories, and heartaches.
For over twenty years, I dedicated my weekends, my early mornings, and much of my heart to supporting my three athletic children.
It was a journey that tested my patience and resilience but rewarded me with unforgettable moments of pride and joy.
The Joys and Struggles of Early Mornings
Waking up at 6 a.m. on weekends to drive long distances to frozen hockey rinks or muddy soccer fields was never easy.
Often, I dreaded the cold, the exhaustion, and the packed schedules.
Yet, the happiness and pride shining on my children’s faces after a hard-fought game made every early wake-up call worthwhile.
On many weekends, I juggled up to nine games between three kids.
I sacrificed countless weekends for their dreams, and though I sometimes questioned if it was worth it, deep down, I knew it was.
How Sports Brought Out the Best in Me
There were moments when sports parenting made me the best version of myself.
Seeing my kids accomplish something they worked hard for — whether landing a new skill or winning a big game — filled me with overwhelming pride.
I found myself staying up late crafting posters and designing team shirts to support their tournaments.
I even organized themed scavenger hunts for their teams, trying to make every moment memorable.
Through these experiences, I taught my kids resilience, sportsmanship, compromise, and sacrifice.
Watching their growth was a reward no trophy could match.
How Sports Brought Out the Worst in Me
Despite the many highs, there were times I struggled with envy, frustration, and disappointment.
I remember bitterly watching when my child was benched or excluded from key plays.
I sometimes found myself wishing another player would miss a game, just so my child could get a chance to shine — feelings I am not proud of.
There were evenings I silently prayed for snowstorms to cancel late practices.
At times, I even considered pretending a practice was canceled just to get a night off.
Sports parenting revealed both my strengths and my flaws, teaching me humility along the way.
Living the Hectic Lifestyle of a Sports Family
Life as a sports family was chaotic and exhausting.
It involved rushing between games, managing gear, arranging carpools, and constantly adjusting schedules.
Despite the madness, I would not trade those years for anything.
Being on the sidelines meant living every triumph and setback with my children.
When they succeeded, I soared.
When they stumbled, my heart broke with them.
Sports tested not only their character but mine as well.
Lessons That Will Last a Lifetime
Throughout these two decades, I sometimes succeeded with grace, and other times I failed miserably.
But every stumble taught me a valuable lesson about patience, perseverance, and perspective.
Now, with my second child preparing for college, my time as a sideline mom is coming to an end.
There is a deep sadness in watching this chapter close.
Still, I am grateful my kids will continue to play, to grow, and to chase their dreams.
And I will always be cheering them on — even if it’s from a little farther away.
