Juggling a full-time job and parenthood isn’t exactly easy. There are only so many hours in a day to dedicate to the many responsibilities that working parents have.
Sometimes it’s inevitable that some aspects of life get overlooked. But of all the things that you skip out on, going to your kids’ games probably shouldn’t be one of them.
Busy parents
Many kids grow up with both parents working demanding jobs that take away from home life while providing that same home.
For most, a long daily commute and ferrying the kids from one location to another will eat up a substantial amount of what would otherwise be free time. On some nights, parents may even find themselves bringing home work to finish.
This setup might sound familiar to you, given that an estimated forty-eight percent of American families have both parents working according to the US Department of Labor.
However, when it is time to look back on a childhood with working parents, sometimes it is the times that our parents got involved and cheered us on that really stand out in our memories as positive and lasting moments.
Positive effect
In an introspective article looking back on her childhood as a basketball player, Caitlin Gallagher from PopSugar tells us the impact of growing up in a family who shared her love of the game and showed their enthusiasm from the stands. Her dad played in a collegiate team and she started out in the sport as soon as she could walk.
“I begged to be in an endless amount of little leagues, went to basketball camp in the summer, and played for my school’s team in the Winter. When I got to high school, it became my top priority.”
Despite their busy schedules and having to drive on winter roads to other high schools in the suburbs, her parents quite literally went out of their way to support her.
“At every game, I would search for their faces in the stands. When I found them, I knew I mattered. I knew my dreams, no matter how silly or far-fetched they may have seemed, mattered.”
That can mean a lot to a kid. Not surprisingly, this influenced Caitlin’s life in a very positive way.
“Just like in every other aspect of my life, my parents proved I could rely on them. And that feeling has stuck with me throughout my life.”
In the end, Caitlin encourages other working parents to strive to do the same for their children despite the odds.
A Very Good Reason
It isn’t always easy to go to a game after an exhausting day, but the difference it can make for your kids and your family may be well worth the extra cup of coffee it may take to make it through.
While watching from the stands may not seem like it will make a big difference, kids who know there is someone there to support them do better on so many levels.
While going to a Little League game may not seem like the most important aspect when compared to meetings, home repairs, and the million other things going on it life, it may still be a big deal for your kids.
“I don’t remember a lot of the birthday gifts I got growing up or cookies I ate before dinner, but I vividly remember my mom and dad, in their work suits and jackets, walking into every game I ever played.”
– Caitlin
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What do you think about going to games?
