Trying Not to be “That” Mom, and Failing
By Glinda
As I said on MB, from here on the hot and dry West Coast, it was difficult to get a true understanding of the effects of Hurricane Sandy on millions of East Coast and Midwest residents. But in looking at pictures of the cleanup and hearing about those that lost their lives, I am sending all the positive vibes possible in an easterly direction.
Insert awkward segue here…
To my utter surprise and delight, my son decided to join a local youth volleyball league a few months ago, and has decided that he truly likes playing this sport.
As a mom who has been desperately seeking a sport for her son (anything, I would have taken pretty much anything! Fencing, swimming, whatever!) just so that he can get out and set some physical goals for himself, this was welcome news. I don’t expect him to become some sort of pro player of anything, but I do think that getting the discipline involved in sports, as well as the physical and emotional outlets, is an important thing. And dare I say that I think he might have some natural talent?
Did I mention that I played volleyball competitively for years? Or that I also coached for years, including at the junior college level?
So when I see some well-meaning city employees who may or may not have much experience playing volleyball trying to teach my son improper form or telling them to do ridiculous things like trying to return a serve by setting, I sit on the bleachers and try to shut my damn mouth. As I slowly clench and unclench my fists. Kidding! Sorta!
Last weekend after my son’s game, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I HAD to know why they were encouraging these youngsters (8-10) to engage in something I consider sort of wrong (trust me, I am being a bit anal, but I am also thinking that they shouldn’t be introducing bad habits) I went and asked the coach.
The young man looked at my 41 year old self and gave me some sort of unsatisfactory answer, to which I responded with another question, which in turn I’m positive earned me the nickname of “Old Hag Who Thinks She Knows Everything.”
Sigh.
October 31st, 2012 at 9:25 am
At the Y where our girls take the occasional sports class the coaches are desperate for parent volunteers to serve as assistant coaches. Can you find a different league where you could put your experience to work? Or would that mortify your son?
November 2nd, 2012 at 12:32 am
Unfortunately, my 3 year old and my husband’s new work schedule (nights) make coaching fairly impossible, at least for the forseeable future.
And yes, I actually do think I would mortify him. Not by doing anything specifically, but just by BEING there as his coach. Especially if I was coaching all boys.