Fun Friday – Pre-season jitters – 3 ways to ease the stress of high school football season

The beginning of a football career

My teen son came home from school with a small stack of papers that he pushed into my hands. 

“Here you go, Ma.”

“What’s this?” I asked.

“The football schedule for the upcoming season.”

There were four or five pages filled front and back with information. There was a calendar for each of the next three months, a list of football camps over the summer and a list of meetings and fees.

No it wasn’t overwhelming…said no one ever.

After several deep breaths and rubbing my temples with my fingertips, I was ready to digest football season and all it had in store. My pre-season jitters began to subside and I created ways to manage the stress in planning for the season. Here they are:

1.      Look at the big picture and break it into manageable tasks – identify which items need to be taken care of first; complete health forms, schedule physical.

2.      Establish a budget plan – are there player fees, equipment to be purchased, and other expenses? – My son told me the other day that he needs new cleats. My first questions was, “How much do they cost? Are they about $50?”

My son’s reaction was hearty laugh, then he said, “Ma, you can probably get one cleat for that amount and some laces.”

He told me I would need double the amount I suggested. For that amount I told him I needed him to finish building the fence in the backyard, clean the basement and complete a few other back burner projects.

3.      Ask for help – you don’t have to do everything yourself, its okay to ask for help if it’s needed. Family and friends can help with transportation to practices/games and camps; turn it into an outing. Sometimes my mom will travel to an away game with me, we’ll munch popcorn, chat and even watch most of the game.

Is your child involved in an extracurricular activity? How do you prepare for his/her series of events?

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?