My Bengals

Jake and Sam had their first flag football game this past weekend and they had a BLAST! They were so excited…..pumping their fists for every good play and cheering on their teammates. It was a perfect picture of what I want sports to be for them. Everyone got a turn and everyone tried their hardest. If they do go on to play at a higher level someday, I know it will be more competitive and may have meaning, but for now I have a short list of what I think it should offer my boys and any kids their age:

• teach teamwork
• teach sportsmanship
• teach them to give their best
• teach them about commitment

I don’t want them to think they need to pound the other team or be the star. I want them to know how to work with others and be gracious in victory AND defeat. I want them to understand that if they commit to a team then they show up….rain, snow…it does not matter. If the game or practice is not canceled…you show up. While I detest parents who scream and yell “get em” or push their kids to excel at any cost, I relish the opportunity to points those parents out to Jake and Sam so they see how “not” to behave.

I want both boys to experience new things and learn new skills, but not at the expense of fun. They have been fortunate to have great coaches who have those same beliefs. To tell you the truth, if they had a coach who thought otherwise, they would not remain on that team. One day, soon enough, Kerry and I will be cheering them in a high school game or maybe even as Buckeyes . For now…….I want it to be nothing but FUN.

Have you experienced some coaches who were too tough on your kids? What about other parents?

I enjoyed reading fellow blogger Heidi Russell’s post about her Florida Gators. With college football season right around the corner, it made me think of our own household and our love of The Ohio State Buckeyes. My husband and I like to think our boys will follow in our footsteps and become alumni one day. Even more, we like to dream of them running onto the field at the Horseshoe as players. It may be a few years off, but we like to think it is in the realm of possibility

Even our dogs are Buckeye Fans....her vet made sure she had an OSU cast

Up until this past week, the boys had never played football. I am not ready to let them play tackle and they never showed much interest out in the yard…they would still rather ride bikes and build forts. As of last Monday, things changed and I think we may actually have two players on our hands.

I signed the boys up for flag football and they LOVE it! They had their first practice and both came home wanting to go back the next day. I realize it is not the same version the Buckeyes play but they can learn the rules, positions, ins and outs of the game and I don’t need to worry about my 50lb boy getting mowed down by a kid with an extra twenty pounds…it’s a win win for all of us.

We have two seasons ahead in our house now…..the Buckeyes start September 2nd on their way to an 8th national championship and our boys start Sept 11th with their Bengal teammates. I am not sure if they will go undefeated (or win any games for that matter), but I hope they have fun and learn a love for the game..playing or watching

Do you have a favorite sports team in your house? Favorite sport?