Muffins with Mom – The kickoff

 

Before I dive into today’s blog post, I want to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. This is a day to honor the memory of military personnel for their service and sacrifice. If you know of someone who has served in the military, take a moment to extend a word of gratitude.

Now for the story…

It’s the time of year where parents are kicking into gear for the start of another school year. For my family, it’s the kickoff of high school football season; And for learning lessons on the gridiron. As  parents prepare for back to school there is always a list of supplies to purchase. Along with the traditional list of school supplies, I have added:

·         Pay sports participation fee

·         Purchase a school t-shirt (for me)

·         Sign up to volunteer or bring snacks

What does your fall kick off look like?

It was a warm August evening as my mom and I stood along the fence during my son’s junior varsity football game. It was the first game of the season. We followed number 20 with our eyes as much as we could, but mostly we listed for the announcer as he said, “that was Verges on the tackle.”

My fourteen-year-old son has played football since he was eight or nine years old, but I am still learning the role of the positions he plays. I know that his position as a Linebacker is viewed as a position of toughness. To be an excellent Linebacker one must be quick, tough, intelligent and powerful (I got that information from Google).

Beyond being tough, powerful and intelligent, I am most impressed by what my son is learning through football. He is focused, learning leadership skills, and doing something that brings him joy. As a defensive captain, other players look to him for guidance.

I remind my son that a leadership role is not something to take lightly. A phrase that I share with him often is, “to whom much is given, much is required.” He is learning that his leadership role goes beyond the football field.

Sometimes I feel like I have to play the role of a Linebacker as a parent. I have to be tough, a quick thinker and intelligent enough to outsmart a teen. As my son lines up for the kickoff on the field, I align my thoughts for the challenges and victories the school year will bring.

How are you preparing for the kickoff of a new school year or new chapter in your life?

 

Football Frenzy – A mom’s spin on the Super Bowl

There was a lot of hype surrounding the recent college football game between Alabama State and Notre Dame. Then I found out that it’s almost time for early bird registration for my son’s little league football team. AND the Super Bowl is upon us.

All of this football talk started me thinking…what would a Super Bowl for moms look like? I would compare the game of football to assigning my kids a list of chores to complete. Here’s what I think it would look like at my house.

Kickoff – a list of chores written on a football or written on a piece of paper attached to a football.

Kick return – my boys receiving the list of chores. The only downfall to this is that they would probably fumble the ball just so they didn’t have to read the list of chores.

Flag on the play – the boys would receive a penalty every time I had to repeat myself when giving them a task to complete.

First Down – when the first task is completed.

Half Time – there would not be any cool commercials, but I would be sure to cheer and shout over accomplishments made during the first half of our faux football game.

Touchdown – A touchdown is scored when a task is completed by one of the kids.

Championship Ring – the winners would be presented with championship rings made of twist ties from a loaf of bread.

In reality my kids would look at me like I was from another planet if I told them, let’s turn your chore list into a game of football. So what do you really do with the kids during the Super Bowl? We create a small party with snacks.

An article titled Fun for the kids during the super bowl, listed ideas to do with the kids during the super bowl. Below are a few favorites:

·         Buy a green paper tablecloth and let the kids decorate it to look like a football field.

·         Serve football themed snacks – cupcakes, cookies, cake.

·         Have football themed word searches or crossword puzzles. Have the kids compete to see who will finish first.

What would a Mom’s Super Bowl look like at your house? Do you do anything special for Super Bowl Sunday?

Parenting on the gridiron

Joshua in a 3 point stance as a right guard. Ypsi Jr. Braves (purple) scrimmage August 2012.

After the birth my first child, I felt like I was learning a new language. Parents that I talked to were using terms like onesie, layette, bassinette, teething ring and booties. Once my kids started playing sports, I discovered more new words and phrases based on which ever sport they were playing.

It’s football season and my youngest son Joshua is once again signed up for the Ypsilanti Junior Braves team. I have the opportunity to test my understanding of the football language. My boys are always tossing around terms like, off sides, tackled in the backfield, three point stance, special teams, and quarterback keeper.

Being a sports mom, more specifically a football mom, has led me to coin the phrase, parenting on the gridiron. For me this means going to daily practices, scrimmages, and Saturday afternoon football games for three months.

Joshua #88

On the football field the kids learn to work as a team. On the home front teamwork is also required. I continually remind the kids that doing chores is one their ways of contributing to the family. They can also provide input on family outings, selecting items that they like for the grocery list and give suggestions for dinner.

Some occasions require me to call in the special teams, my mother and friends. As the punt return team, they take the ball and run, getting the kids to appointments and practices. When the ball is snapped, they are ready.

At the end of the week, the kids and I get in our pseudo huddle and decide what family activity we want to do. Sometimes it’s playing a few games of Uno or watching a movie. I’ve even been known to give in to the occasional pillow fight.

As in any family, the kids are not always happy with each other. When the sibling rivalry begins I have to run pass interference. Sometimes I feel like I’m the defensive coach calling out plays.

Whether it’s cheering from the bleachers or teaching life lessons through football, parenting on the gridiron is a learning experience for all involved. It’s something the kids can relate to as I learn more about the sport.

What sport would you compare your parenting experience to?