8 Effective Tips Every Soccer Parent Should Employ to Maintain Family Harmony
Today’s kids are involved in so many more activities than their parents were when growing up. Some of them practically need their own day planners! Soccer moms and dads may feel like they are spending more time acting like a chauffer than parenting. Here are some ways to maintain family harmony while still playing sports.
1. Have family time.
Regardless of soccer schedules, ballet lessons, or whatever activities your kids are involved in, there should be time scheduled into the week that is set aside for the family. Write it into the calendar if you have to. This can be a weeknight game night, a Friday night movie, or Sunday afternoons at the park – whatever your family likes to do. The biggest thing is that you need quality of life at home and time to spend together. Do not sacrifice this for an extra sport whose games or practice time will significantly cut into your family time.
2. Eat your meals together – every night if possible.
How many times have soccer moms and dads pulled up to the window of the closest fast food joint in order to have supper to put on the table? Or how many times have the kids eaten on separate time schedules than the adults or even from each other? By having meals together it means that you have some time for conversation together so that you can keep in touch on what is going on in everyone’s lives. Children can learn table manners and assist with chores. You can make more healthful decisions about the food that your family eats, and easily avoid any food allergens.
3. Keep in mind all of your family members and their personalities.
While some of your children may enjoy a hectic schedule is not ideal for every child. Younger children especially often do better with set routines and scheduled mealtimes. Keep in mind also that while you chauffer your eight year-old to soccer practice and karate that your younger child will be stuck riding around in the car all day. It may be best to limit sports and other activities for that reason.
4. Consider the cost of an activity versus what your child will actually get out of it.
Most organized activities, like soccer, will require uniforms and other equipment on top of the base cost of lessons. You may find that money is better spent purchasing items that the whole family can enjoy together – a family vacation, art supplies, books to read out loud, or memberships to places like local zoos or museums. These can be educational and teach your children things while at the same time allowing your family time to spend together.
5. Keep in mind your family’s schedule.
Committing to a sport like soccer or another organized activity means a pretty decent sized time commitment. You will have to take time out for practices and games. This may mean sacrificing spontaneous family trips or other activities. When choosing an activity, make sure that it is something that the entire family will benefit from.
6. Allow children to have free time.
Every spare minute of their day does not have to be involved in some sort of organized activities. Let them do things that kids do – from digging in the sandbox to playing make believe. They may or may not learn a new skill, but they will be expanding their imagination.
7. Keep in mind that not every child has a competitive spirit.
Some kids may really get into the thrill of the game. Others will become sensitive to the fact that they are constantly being compared to someone else – another team mate, an opposing team, etc. This can be quite damaging to self-esteem. Remember that it is only a game, and if you child does not succeed in soccer does not mean that he or she is a failure in life, and they need to know that.
8. Only you can decide what the perfect balance is for you and your family.
The important thing is to consider everyone’s feelings, emotions, and talents when choosing an organized sport or activity like soccer. Do not overdo it, and make sure that your children know that you love them no matter what. Do that, and you will be able to maintain your family harmony regardless of what you decide is best for you.
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