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I bought my 15 year old son his first pair of cleats today.

He's joining the football team this year despite growing up in a family devoid of interest in sports, despite never having played football before, and despite my past stance on tackle football in middle school. I refused to let him play, he seemed so young. It felt like too much of a risk.

Am I worried about injuries now? So much yes.

So so much. I know that head injuries, neck injuries, broken teeth, broken bones, did I mention head and neck injuries, are a real concern. And I am concerned.

I'm already worried and the season doesn't start for a few months yet.

But I'm letting him join anyway. Because he wants to. Because he said he'd do it even if I said no.
Because I want to support him in his effort to become stronger, I want to support his need for being a member of a team. Because he's been searching for his place for so long and he feels he may have finally found it.

I remind myself that most high school sports players do not get terribly injured. I remind myself that a kid who's never played football before probably won't get much time on the field. I remind myself that living a sedentary lifestyle is bad for ones health and the idea of working with a coach and team mates in the weight room and on the field has encouraged him to take an interest in physical fitness. I know that having a strong cohort group and mentors is important for kids this age.

I want to encourage him to try new things, to take calculated risks. I don't want him to live in fear like I have my whole life.

I am certain that there will be many people who do not approve of my choice to let my son engage in such a dangerous sport. I get it.

To rationalize my decision to let him play, I think about other rough sports, rugby and lacrosse, even soccer. At least football requires helmets and lots of protective gear.

On the one hand I want to keep my son safe, on the other I want him to try the things he wants to do.

Parenting is a balancing act. As our kids get older, we have to give them some of the choices, some of the weight of the burden of choice.

It's not easy.


Comments

Gina said…
What a wonderful Mom you are!
June 28, 2018 at 8:21 PM
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