I am a soccer mom

there I said it... I admitted it... I am a soccer mom

I think it was during the last presidential election campaign that it was reported that moms don't want to be seen/ referred to as "soccer moms".

I guess this is because the term carries with it some negative stereotypes about us being crazed sideline moms... the athletes equivalent of a stage mom...

I AM a sideline mom... In the last 6+ years that my oldest two have been playing soccer I think I have only missed one or two of their games.  and yes not only can you see me on the sidelines but you can hear me too...You will also find me on the sidelines at most every practice.  

Now I know you are thinking... "seriously helicopter mom... STOP hovering" 

BUT hear me out... did you know that girls that participate in sports:have greater self esteem, better body image, get better grades, are more likely to go to college, are more likely to delay sexual activity, are less likely to get pregnant, are more likely to experience positive health outcomes and the list goes on and on

For all of those reasons above it is important for me that my girls know at the beginning and end of every soccer season that not only am I their biggest fan but that I am here to support them in their athletic pursuits.So while I am getting  frost bite during spring season, and sunburn in the fall my girls know that I am always there for them... for all the wins and all the losses...

and what I know that they will learn soon enough is:

while they are learning SPORTS skills like: teamwork, discipline, leadership, perseverance & risk-taking; they are learning LIFE skills like: teamwork, discipline, leadership, perseverance & risk-taking 

at the end of the day it is important to me that my girls are strong empowered girls that aren't afraid to get in the game and Play Like a Girl... because I know that the skills they learn today will help them to be strong empowered women that aren't afraid to get in the game of life and Succeed Like a Woman

so for now I will proudly hop in my minivan loaded with cleats and shin guards and soccer balls wearing my soccer mom badge

Play On!!!

repost from my blog: http://sportslikeagirl.com/blog-like-a-girl.html