The job of a parent of a youth athlete is multi-faceted. Through her child's sports career, chances are a mother will need to be a:

• Chauffeur

• Short Order Cook

• Trainer

• Locker Room Attendant

• Psychologist

• Cheerleader

• Chief Financial Officer

• Chief Operating Officer

• Politician

• Talent Scout

You have to pick a sport and a program best suited to your child, set realistic expectations about what her child can achieve through sports, be there for your child in good times and bad times, model good sportsmanship, and use the youth sports experience to teach life skills, lessons and values that will help her grow up into a self-confident, independent, well-adjusted adult while avoiding the trap too many parents fall into of becoming an over-involved, out-of control parent.

Nobody said it was going to easy!

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