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Don't Forget to Watch

© Sue Poremba

I had an interesting conversation today. A mother I know told me that when she attends her children's sporting events, she uses the time to talk to other parents and get her other plans made. She's not alone, of course. I see it regularly at my son's basketball games, where parents - when the show up - are busy reading books, balancing checkbooks and paying bills, chatting on cell phones.

Personally, I love to watch my kid play sports - because I love sports and because I love my kid. I am pretty positive that all the other parents out there love their kids, too, if not the game. Unfortunately, many parents think that their involvement with their kids sports end with the car pool. Drop the kids off at practice, whisk around town to finish up some other errands, pick kids up after practice. I know the routine well.

Games, however, are different. From the child's perspective, the game is the moment he/she could be a star, a hero, the Michael Jordan of the elementary school. It's a big deal to have a jersey with their favorite number on the back. The adrenaline pumps through their small bodies. The game is everything to the kids, particularly the young ones.

I know the parent's perspective as well. The game is a chance for the parent to sit for an hour. No driving. No rushing. Other adults to talk to. As my friend told me today, the game is a good time to make other plans with parents about PTA meetings or birthday parties.

The game is such a small moment in a child's life. It is filled with triumph or tragedy. Don't miss it.

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