There was a time, not that many years ago, when I was very afraid to become a soccer mom.
The image that I envisioned with the title, “soccer mom”, or worse, “suburban soccer mom”, was not a good one.
They are slightly crazy moms. Or so I thought.
“Soccer moms” are those mini-van, driving moms you can find cheering along the sidelines for their kids, elbowing other parents along the way, solely focused on their kids’ scoring the next goal. That would never be me, I vowed.
I lived in New York City for several years when I was young and single. When I got married, I took off for the suburbs, and more than one friend said to me, “Uh-oh, you’ll be a soccer mom soon”.
“NO WAY!”, I always answered.
Well, here I am.
A suburban soccer mom.
I have to confess… I like it. I might even love it.
Okay, I don’t ALWAYS love it. Wrestling with my 6-year old son every Saturday morning, to put on his shin guards. “They so uncomfortable”, he whines the entire way to his game. Then I don’t love it.
At practice watching my daughter stand twirling her hair and doing cartwheels on the field, I don’t love it. “Play” I yell, “Don’t do gymnastics!”
Getting up bright and early for Saturday morning games (which start at 8am – YAWN)… yeah, those are times that I don’t love it so much either.
But I do love watching my kids have fun. I love to see them “get” the concept of teamwork. And look so proud if they score a goal, or help pass to a goal. Yep, those are the times I love it.
Watching my kids cheer for their friends and team-mates, or just as important, hug them when they lose a game. They are learning sportsmanship and compassion. Yep, I love it then too.
Seeing my kids follow their coaches’ directions (much better than they EVER listen to mine)… Yes, those days I am a happy soccer mom.
I now understand that soccer is a great sport for young kids to play. It helps get them ready for more to come in life. Teamwork, working well with others, encouraging others, showing kindness toward others, compassion for others, etc…
So I will say it… I still do not drive a mini-van, but I am finally a PROUD suburban soccer mom. No longer an embarrassed, “how the hell did I get here?” soccer mom!
P.S. If you need me, you’ll find me cheering on the sidelines every Saturday morning… “GO LIONS!”
#SoccerMomsRule
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Soccer is one sport I wish I would have stayed with. I was kind of like your daughter dancing around the field and picking flowers. I didn’t love it, but as an adult I think I would really love it.
I wish I played too! I would understand the game a little better if I had!!! lol
Too cute! Yeah kids will do that to you, You find yourself becoming who they want you to be based on what is important to them. and its so worth it! Thank you for sharing!!
Nothing wrong with that!!!
Haha, well… it was bound to happen right? Don’t feel bad for loving it, I’m so looking forward to this!