Your kids are always watching and listening…

Your kids are always watching and listening (even when you think they’re not).

Over the last 18+ months, I’ve been challenged.

Countless times, I’ve been yelled at, screamed at, and even threatened on the soccer fields watching my kids play. 

Every time, I had at least one of my children right there witnessing. 

And I’ve wanted to be petty and stoop to their level knowing I could shut them up real fast, but I don’t.

I take the high road even when a part of me would feel so satisfied being nasty.

This past weekend, was another episode.

A mother from the opposing team, yelled directly at my 10 yo and she came off the court tears streaming down her face. I looked to the coach for clarification and she told me which parent yelled at my daughter and I immediately took action.

I walked over to the group of parents and asked who had yelled at my kid, #9. Most of the parents just looked at me confused, but one mother fessed up.

I looked her straight in the eye and I said, “we do not yell at the children.”

She started to argue that my kid was being too aggressive.

I respond with, “this was a very physical game for both teams, but you yelled at my child and she came off the court in tears. We do not yell at the children.”

She offered to apologize and standing there amongst her peers she had to apologize to a 10yo because of her behavior.

I thanked her, but I was fuming as we walked out of the facility. 

My children have watched me respond to similar situations again and again. Always aware of the impact my response has to the whole situation. 

I don’t know if I’m making a difference on the sidelines, but I know my kids are seeing a different way to be and that matters to me more. 

PS- I’ve come a long way as a spectator and have even sought out feedback from referees and coaches- I know I’m not perfect, but I’m getting better every day.