And Then We Became Basketball Parents
It’s hard to believe it’s over. We’ve been band parents now for nearly eight years, ever since that first fifth grade concert when I became teary-eyed with pride. Who knew the boy could play like that? Who knew it would become his passion? Last night he marched for the last time in high school and no, I didn’t cry; I laughed, I danced and clapped; I yelled WHOO HOOO! It was a night of great joy. We’re still band parents of course, with several concerts to come and likely a whole college career devoted to music in our future, but now we’re not just band parents.
We’ve become basketball parents.
The girl started playing a week ago and her first game will be in December. Basketball parents are a more intense, tighter-knit group than band parents. For one thing, there are less of them so you’re going to interact with one another. Secondly, we’re all parents of fifth-grade girls. That’s binding, especially when said girls are fouling and wrestling for the ball all over the court. The girl has a unique basketball style I call, “The Flamingo.” Her leg wings out when she shoots and she runs, grinning, the entire time. She’s having a blast.
I’ve always believed kids need a “thing” — a sport or an instrument, a club or an ongoing project — it doesn’t matter what just so they’re involved and have a group to which they belong. It made all the difference with our move and has given my kids an outlet besides school that has made them more focused and organized. Plus, having something to go to where they have friends and something to do has been FUN for them.
What are your kids into?
November 10th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Soccer — but the season just finished today. And I’m relieved to have a break for a bit.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
As much as I wanted to steer them away, they’re total entertainers - Gabby was bouncing to music before she could even stand, and now they both dance, sing, cartweel and cheer around the house. And one of them is bound to win an Oscar - they’re both unbelievable drama queens.
But, as God is my witness, I swear to just stay on the sidelines, be appropriately supportive, and not be one of those psycho-freaky-helicopter-parent-live-through-my-child stage moms!
November 15th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I have a daughter who’s playing now for JV basketball. She started on her 7th grade and looking back I could appreciate the skills that she was able to develop all these years. My son is now on his second year as an 8th grader.
I agree. Basketball parents are more tight.