
Top 5 Tips for Sports Parents
As a mom who’s been through the ups and downs of youth sports, I can tell you—it’s a ride! My son started playing baseball when he was just six, and from that day on, we were all in. Practices, games, travel weekends—you name it. Along the way, I learned a lot, not just about the game, but about how to support him (and myself) through it all. Here are five tips that helped me keep my sanity and, more importantly, helped him enjoy the sport.
1. Keep It Fun—Always!
At the end of the day, this is still a game. I made the mistake early on of pushing him to be perfect, but quickly realized that it was robbing the joy. Now, we focus on fun. After a tough practice, we might grab ice cream and talk about his favorite play of the day—whether he hit a home run or just made a good catch. Fun is the foundation of everything.
2. Be the Cheerleader, Not the Coach
There’s a big difference between supporting your child and trying to coach them from the stands (believe me, I’ve been guilty!). I’ve learned that my job is to cheer him on, not critique his every move. After a game, I don’t say, “You should’ve done this differently.” Instead, I say, “I’m so proud of how hard you worked today.”
3. Help Them Balance It All
I’ll admit, I sometimes struggle with this one! Between school, practice, and games, the schedule can get crazy. It’s easy to forget that they need time to be kids, too. I’ve started blocking off weekends without games to just hang out as a family. A little downtime can make a huge difference in keeping their love for the sport alive.
4. Pack Like a Pro
Oh, the things I’ve forgotten over the years—extra socks, water bottles, sunscreen. Trust me, you don’t want to be the one running to the store right before the game starts. Now, I have a bag packed for each sport, always ready to go with all the essentials: snacks, water, and any extra gear. Being prepared takes a lot of the stress out of game days.
5. Model Good Sportsmanship
This one’s huge. I’ll never forget the time I saw another mom get upset with the umpire over a call. It made me uncomfortable, and I realized I didn’t want my son to see that. I made a promise to myself to always lead by example—cheering for all the kids, respecting the refs, and encouraging my son to do the same.
Pro Hack Tip: One thing that’s made game days even better is having a cozy, go-to hoodie that celebrates his journey. My favorite one has an embroidered line art design inspired by this year's favorite sports moment. I honestly love it, and the look on his face when I wear it... it just makes him so happy to see me wearing his design proudly! It’s personal, practical, and always a reminder of his hard work and growth. If you’re looking for a hoodie that keeps you warm and celebrates every victory, grab one of these!
So, there you have it—my five tips for supporting your young athlete. Every season is a new chapter, and I’m learning just as much as my son is. What’s your best tip for supporting your child in sports?
I’d love to hear from other sports parents in the comments!