An Apology to the Parents on the Sidelines: A Journey of Self-Reflection

I owe an apology to the parents of the sports teams on the sidelines. It's been a learning experience for me, and I feel the need to acknowledge that. Watching my kids play has brought up a lot of emotions I hadn't quite anticipated. I forgot what it was like to be in the game, to feel the rush of energy and excitement that comes with sports.

I’ve always been someone who played aggressively. In every sport, I brought the intensity, the drive, the fire. It was never just a game—it was a battle, and I loved every minute of it. Some of that energy has definitely been passed down to my kids, hopefully the better half of it. But as much as I’ve tried to tame my own inner energy, it’s been harder than I expected. There’s something about watching that intensity in your own children that makes it feel so much more real. It’s a different kind of intensity—almost primal, I think. Maybe it’s the competitive spirit that I was born with or maybe it’s just the "mother bear" instinct in me. Either way, it’s there, and it’s strong.

I often look around the sidelines and see other parents—those who played sports and those who didn’t—enjoying the game, cheering calmly, and soaking in the experience. And then there’s me: loud, vocal, and quick to speak out when I think a bad call is made. I find myself wondering if I should feel bad or embarrassed about it, or if I should just accept that this is who I am. It’s been with me for as long as I can remember, and in some ways, it feels like it’s part of my DNA.

But here’s the thing—I see the judgment. I feel it. Whether it’s a look or a quiet comment, I know it’s there. And I’m left wondering what to do with that. Should I change? Should I tamp down my emotions and try to fit in with the quieter, more reserved parents on the sidelines? Or is it okay to just be who I am—loud and passionate—if that’s the energy I bring to the game?

Maybe I just need to find a different way to channel it. I’m not sure what that looks like yet, but I’m working on it. I want to be supportive of my kids and their teammates while also respecting the space of others who might not share my same level of enthusiasm. It’s a balance I haven’t quite mastered, but I’m trying.

To the parents who might feel the judgment too, I just want to say—thank you for your patience and understanding. We're all on this journey together, figuring out the best ways to support our kids and their teams. I’ll keep learning, and I’ll keep trying to find a way to balance my inner energy with the energy of those around me.

Here’s to growth, understanding, and figuring out how to be the best version of ourselves on the sidelines.