That’s what I call myself at times. Hockey Mom.
But in all honesty I really don’t think I am. Well…not a good one anyways.
I rarely go to Cam’s games, not because I don’t want to. But because I can’t. Sean coaches and is on the bench and that would leave me in the stands with Cuyler and Eva. I’ve tried several times to take them only to have to leave within minutes of the game starting. Eva is happy to sit and chat and run around with the other little sisters.
Cuyler wants nothing to do with being in the arena.
I was at his game this past Sunday. I dropped Cuy and Eva off at my in-laws and was able to go kid free.
It was Sunday that I realized what kind of hockey mom I was.
It was Sunday that I realized what kind of hockey mom I was.
I don’t scream or yell. Or really even cheer. I clap and give a “YES!” or “NICE!” when a goal is scored or a good save is made. But I’m not loud. I don’t go to travel tournaments so I miss all the fun that goes along with them. And I’m ok with that.
So Sunday – there was a debate going on beside me with some other moms on our team as to whether or not it’s fair to withhold the player of the game award when they have an awful game. I say it’s fine. I think if they play terrible it sends a message that they need to work harder next game. A few other moms said “no way”. No matter what, someone plays their heart out and deserves to be recognized for their efforts. Sure. Okay…I can see that.
But I really didn’t care either way. I’m not gonna get worked up about that (although I was happy that Cam came home with it after the game). I don’t get worked up about much during a game. I see moms shouting so hard the veins are popping out of their necks. Shouting at refs, kids and coaches.
I get embarrassed for some of them. I figure the kids can’t hear me from the ice – why bother? What am I shouting at?
I wonder if I just don’t put that much emotion into a hockey game because I deal with so much in my everyday life. I deal with difficult issues multiple times a day with Cuyler and the challenges his autism brings into our life.
I used to deal with situations like this on a regular basis. Luckily it only happens once in awhile now. Maybe my perspective is completely different because of what we have gone through with Eva. One of the other moms who is like me has also been through a serious medical crisis with one of their kids.
So we don’t sweat the small stuff…like minor hockey games.
So we don’t sweat the small stuff…like minor hockey games.
Maybe I’m jealous. Maybe I want my biggest stress of the weekend to be whether or not Cam’s team wins their game. I think I’m too emotionally depleted most days to get wrapped up in a 9year olds hockey game. It’s just not that big a deal to me.
Does that make me a bad hockey mom?
You’re the best kind of hockey mom! We are on our 6th season of hockey with my 9 year old son who is goalie this year on his Atom team (yikes!) Several years ago I asked my hockey playing husband if he when he played as a kid could he hear the parents in the stands? He said no, and I have been a silent mom in the stands ever since, only clapping and cheering when they score or my son has a great save. Those moms who yell “Skate!!!” “Parkerrrrrrrr!!!” “Gooooooo Caaaarson!!!” and other non-helpful things drive me crazy, and I always make sure I sit behind them, not in front of them!
I hope you can see more of Cam’s games this season!
I myself am very much like Jen. I am a fan and I cheer them on. I do not scream obscenities at any one. I kept my cool when my kid went to the penalty box even if the call was a lame one. I use to just sit back and chuckle to myself when I would see parents screaming like a crazy, they looked like they were going to have a heart attack. You just want to tell them to take a chill pill it is not the world and they are there to have fun. I am a very competitive person and so are my kids, but they don’t get all out bent out of shape if they don’t win because it is just a game and they understand winning isn’t everything. I have been the Hockey, football, baseball, volleyball, field hockey and rugby mom. Some of the sports were rep and select so there was lots of traveling. It is a lot of fun with the right group of parents.
Christine I think you are a great hockey mom and Cam will see your not that psycho parent in the stands that make their kids want to crawl under a rock.
I agree with everyone – a) this pic is hi-larious, and 2) you’re the perfect supporter of your boy and his team, Christine. Seriously. No kid needs a rabid, screaming parent destined for the penalty box his or herself. Really. It better for your kid that you’re involved but not crazy. It’s better for sports. Good on ya.
Also? I’m not letting Oliver near skates for at least 6 more years. Besides the fact that he bruises like a summer fruit, I can’t deal with the early-morning arena times anyway. So there’s that.
Is the photo staged? Seriously?
I think that you are a “just right” hockey mom. I remember (and this I why I will try to avoid hockey) taking my brother to a game and hearing parents yell “Kill him billy, kill him”. Hello!!! – they’re nine dude!
NO ! that makes you a wonderful person with an excellent perspective on what really matters. We have all witnessed when parents get cuckoo over the lives of junior and it is UGLY. Difficulty is a gem that sparkles when we don’t need it.
I am a very vocal fan but I am a FAN. I cheer, I clap, I encourage. I don’t yell at the kids or the refs or the other team. And I certainly don’t give hockey “advice”. What do I know? I agree that kids learn a lot from hockey. They also learn a lot about YOU. I want my son to feel good about me being there as a fan and supporter of his.
Good for you, Christine. I have seen some bad hockey moms, dads, coaches and kids. And really, it ruins it for everyone.
OMG, I hope I don’t get stoned for saying this but I can’t stand those parents who scream at everyone. The kids have a COACH for a reason, let them do their jobs.
THAT PICTURE! OMG.
If I ever went to one of Josh’s games, I can assure you…I’d be laughing at the other hockey moms. Because…seriously?
Oh my gosh – that picture is priceless!
At my son’s game they make the parents watch from upstairs – and I think it’s because too many of them try to live vicariously through their kids, making 8 year old hockey games seem like they are gold medal games.
Good points and ones I didn’t think of as I was writing this.
By nature I am pretty competitive and I don’t like to lose but we tend to leave all things “rep hockey” at the arena so I see no point in giving myself a coronary while I’m there!
Sara – travelling can be fun if you’ve got a good group of parents. It’s a great way to really get to know each other. The kids have a BLAST. Unfortunately I’ve never been able to partake.
It’s an interesting perspective Christine. It may not have a thing to do with the stresses of your off ice life though – it just could be your nature – and the fact that you get it. I’m going to keep this entry close at hand for when Will starts. I’m a bit afraid that I’ll be a yeller etc. I’m super competitive and I have a sense I’ll bring that to Will’s sports. I remember my mom being a ‘basketball mom’ – yelling at me to run – I stopped and yelled back at her – and then the ref yelled at me for yelling at my mom…it was sort of hilarious. The whole scene freaks me out though – the travelling part – not sure I will be able to deal with that – it’s all a bit crazy.
Quite the opposite, Christine, I think it makes you a very good hockey mom. Our kids learn an awful lot by playing hockey (the majority of it off the ice), but it’s the parent’s job to demonstrate that hockey’s just a game, and not life. It’s all about perspective