Warning:  This article contains more than a little bit of sarcasm and snarkiness.

Sure, some kids do get a sports scholarship, but that number is insignificant in comparison to the number of kids who play youth sports.  Does that mean that you should remove your kid from youth sports? I don’t think so.  There are so many life lessons to be learned from time spent on the practice fields and competitions.  We want our kids to learn those lessons.  However, we parents need to take a chill pill and get a grip on the reality of the situation.

1. Injury:  No kid should ever play injured.  Period.  I’m not talking about soreness or irritation, but a real injury is something that should never be played through.  There is no game or competition more important than your child’s health……..both short and long-term.  Don’t let me hear that you didn’t take your kid to the doctor or that you think he/she is OK to play when he/she can’t even remember their name.  That’s nuts!  And, so not worth it!!
2. Playtime:  Sure I love to watch my kid play as much as you do, but let’s be honest…………some kids give the team a better chance of winning.  I get it.  On the flip side………….the game is supposed to be for fun.  What’s wrong with letting some of the back-ups sub in once in a while?  Don’t worry……..your super-star will still get noticed.  They are kids playing a GAME.  Let them all have fun playing.
3. Parents complaining about coaches:  Come on people……….they are volunteers.  If you have a problem with how things are going, get your butt out there and help.  I’m sure you can fix all of the problems the team is having.
4. Parents complaining about officials/judges.  Umm………….you are embarrassing your kid.  Sure, they love that you stand up for them, but they would love that to happen quietly and at an appropriate time.  The last thing they want is to be known as the kid that has the mom that is always yelling crazy stuff.  Oh………that’s YOUR mom………..
5. Yelling at your kid from the sidelines:  Go ahead and encourage your kid all you want.  That’s cool!  Parents should be their kid’s biggest fan.  What the rest of us find annoying is the criticizing.  I know you have heard the nonsense before.  Yes, your kid should be able to get a ride home even if they totally screw up the game.
6. Remember that your worth is not determined by your kid’s sports ability.  Just because your kid is the team’s superstar does not mean that you are “Mom/Dad of the Year”.  It’s possible that you are.   However, the reverse is also true………..Your little benchwarmer is a great kid.  Feel proud that he/she is working hard and enjoying sports.  Be proud of your kid no matter what their level of skill is.  In fact, always remember that you don’t know who they are going to grow up to be.  Doctors, lawyers, teachers, incredible parents……..Do you really think it matters how good they were at sports?

OK……….that’s enough snark for one day.  I usually like to keep things positive around here, but the world of youth sports warrants a little sarcasm.  I love youth sports and I want to keep it a healthy place for my children to be.  Enjoy the time with your kids as they develop agility, coordination, endurance, flexibility, speed, strength, and love for sport.  Watch as they develop the ability to make decisions and accept responsibilities.  Appreciate the fact that they are learning  to understand and express emotions, and an appreciation for what the human body can do.  Just don’t expect them to walk away from it with a sports scholarship and we will get along just fine.  For the record………….if your kid does get a sports scholarship……….I will certainly cheer for him/her as I have cheered for all of the kids the whole time.  My heart and soul is devoted to the entire team.

I would love to hear what you think about this subject.  Leave me a comment below and tell me how you feel about the world of youth sports.

Since I always want you to be thinking about eating real food…………..If you are looking for help in making the transition to eating more real food, you should check out the Real Food Experience posts. You can get started at the beginning or jump around the challenges. You can find a complete round-up of the program here. Each week’s challenge is full of terrific advice to help you transition from fast and processed food to a real food diet. Changes that will help you to live a healthy lifestyle and have the energy to keep up with your busy schedule. I would also love for you to join me on social media. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a regular basis. Leave me a comment and let me know you are there. I love to visit with my readers.