13 Things I've Learned as a Soccer Mom

Updated on 4/17/2016 at 9:36 AM

I've spent four years — 12 seasons — as a sideline mom. In that time, I've seen countless soccer, baseball, flag football, and basketball games. I've cut more orange slices than I care to remember, washed dirt and grass stains out of way too many uniforms (why do they always play on the muddiest field?), and chatted up every type of sideline parent out there. And I've loved almost every minute of it!

With a new season under way and a younger son starting his first round of "Fall ball," I've come to realize that I've learned a few things on the sidelines over the years — and I'm not just talking about scouting out the bathroom situation before you leave home (but you should do that — especially if you'll be sitting through doubleheaders like I do). Read on for the 13 things you can take away from my seasons on the field.

You spend more time saying "I saw, it was great" than you expect.

That's probably because you're too busy chatting or chasing after a younger sibling who would rather do anything than watch her big brother play ball. It's OK though, your kids don't need to know that you missed their game-winning goal. Just say you saw it, it was great, and you're so impressed . . . then resume your conversation!

You take it almost as hard as your child when they don't succeed.

Everyone wants their kid to hit the tying run and score the winning goal, but it won't happen as often as you or they wish. And it feels like a punch to your gut when you see your child's disappointment. Yes, your child needs to learn that they won't always succeed, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt — badly.

Never underestimate the power of a king-sized pack of Twizzlers.

They're an excellent ice breaker and a great way to bring a team together. When one of my kids was having trouble getting comfortable on a team, we brought a pack to each game and had him offer them to his teammates. Pretty soon everyone was talking to him and he felt much more at home on the team.

The higher the chair, the better.

During my son's first travel baseball season, we used old beach chairs on the sidelines. But they were low to the ground and, invariably, someone in a tall chair blocked our view. Plus they made it hard to have a conversation with someone. Those umbrella sideline chairs cost less than $20 and are a lifesaver when you're spending endless hours on the sidelines.

Even if you're never on time yourself, you need to be for your kids.

Be respectful of the coaches and your children's teammates' time. Everyone is busy, and no one has time to be waiting for your child just because you were too lazy to get there on time.

There is such a thing as cheering on your kid too loudly . . .

And some kids, like mine, don't like to be cheered from the sideline at all. Respect their wishes and do as they ask. The last thing you want is to embarrass them — even if it feels impossible to keep your mouth shut!

The importance of "high fiving" every kid on the team.

It's important to cheer on everyone on the team, not just your kid. It reminds your child that they're on a team and that it's not all about them. Plus, other parents may not be as congratulatory as you, so it's nice to give them encouragement too!

There's plenty of learning off the field too.

It may sound cheesy, but my kids may have learned as much off the field as on it. From becoming responsible for packing their own game bags and gathering up their belongings at the end of a game to learning to care for their uniforms and ensuring they are clean on time, they've learned life lessons that will last long after little league ends.

Forget the healthy snacks, all the kids want are doughnuts.

You know you should be providing granola bars and fruit for the kids at the end of the game, but when you do, half of it comes home with you. The next week, the snack mom brings two dozen doughnuts and 60 doughnut holes and they're gone in 10 seconds flat. There's a reason for that. Do yourself a favor and just get the doughnuts. It's what the kids really want.

Always carry a first-aid kit in your car . . .

And have plenty of extra instant ice packs on hand. Even if it is the team mom's job to have one, it never hurts to have an extra kit on hand. It's amazing how many kids need those ice packs — even if they only use them for two minutes.

Go all in; don't do it superficially.

You don't have to be the team mom, but you should give the team your all. Other families are dedicating their time and energy to the team and expect you to do so too. So make sure your child attends the practices, make an effort with the other parents, and find your spot on the team.

Don't talk ill of the coach when your kid is present — or when they could be around the corner eavesdropping.

Yes, you're likely to have issues with your kid's coach at some point. And yes, you want to complain. But don't do it within earshot of your child. They're likely to repeat whatever you say, and that's a recipe for a bad situation.

Have a local pizzeria on speed dial — wherever the game's being played.

Kids eat a lot, that's no secret. But if you're playing a doubleheader or in a tournament somewhere other than home, do a little research beforehand and have a local pizzeria that delivers on speed dial. The team — and their parents — will thank you!