Spring soccer season is on its way back, which means Saturday mornings are spent at the fields. Whether your kid loves the game or isnât quite sure about it yet, your attitude plays a bigger impact on their enjoyment than you may think. If youâre new to the soccer world or if youâve already had a few kids play through the ranks, a few tricks will make soccer season easier on yourself and more fun for the kiddos. Below are a few tips on how to be the best soccer momâcheck it out!
Pack the Night Before
This tip is especially important before the first practice and first gameâyou do not want to be late. It makes it easier on the coach and easier on the player. So to help ensure that youâre early to practices and games, pack what you need the night before. You donât want to wait until 20 minutes before game time to realize that you have no idea where the jersey is. A great soccer mom is prepared and has the car packed well before she needs to leave.
Become a Soccer Geek
We canât stress this enoughâthe best soccer mom is a soccer geek. She really cares about and understands soccer. So even if you were never huge on sports, your children will have a much better experience if they think you care about it. Better yet, when you learn the terms and become even just a bit more invested, youâll be able to have a more meaningful conversation with your children about practice and the games.
Invest in Great Gear
Every great soccer mom has her game-day set-upâmake sure that you have yours. Spring soccer is a messy time, so make sure that you always have an umbrella on hand. Invest in a great lawn chair (two cup holders is way better than one), and a blanket or two. If you have younger kids watching their siblings, bring along what every soccer mom will have this seasonâa great playpen. This will ensure that the kiddos are safe as you watch their older sibling play; you can focus on the game!
Dress Appropriately
Youâve probably seen that mom on the fields who makes the mistake of wearing her heels from work to practice that night. Youâve also probably seen the mom who wore flip-flops to the game even though it rained just last night. Youâll feel much more comfortable during games and practices if you dress appropriately, and that means stocking up your car with essentialsâworn-out gym shoes for when you forget a pair, rain boots for when the fields are soggy, rain jackets for inclement weather, and a baseball cap because, of course, a baseball cap.
Cheer, Donât Coach
Lastly, and this is one of the most important tips to follow if you really want your kid to enjoy and learn the gameâcheer them on, but donât coach them from the sidelines. Just because you became a soccer geek doesnât mean you know everything about the game. Let your child listen to the coachâwhen they hear you yelling direction, theyâll follow you over the coach, but that doesnât mean itâs the best move. Instead, focus on cheering for your kids rather than coaching them.