Showing Up. Supporting your child even when they’re on the sidelines.

My family took a recent trip to watch my son’s team play soccer. We traveled quite far, we cheered, we soaked in the atmosphere. The only unusual part? Our son wasn’t playing. He was injured and sitting on the bench. Taking the trip is not a choice that every family can or would make, but we decided to do it after some quick reflection, and here’s why:

Support doesn’t have strict parameters

When he realized that we were still planning to travel to the tournament, our son said, “You don’t have to come, I’m not even playing.” We told him that we were proud of him for having the opportunity, and his injury didn’t mean we would just drop our plans. When we support something bigger than ourselves, everyone benefits. We think it sends an important message: you don’t only get our attention when you get the glory. We’re proud of the daily commitment and effort he continues to make, and we want him to see that.

Players on the bench always have value

A starting player could get injured, have a crisis or a family emergency, and at any moment someone else could be called to step in. In our son’s case, he wasn’t going to see minutes, but he still played the vital role of supporting his teammates during the game. Any coach will tell you: every player is a part of the team. They’re there for each practice, weight training session and game. Every kid deserves support, no matter what their journey looks like from season to season.

Continued support to the team is priceless

To go a step further, it means a lot to coaches and teams when parents stay involved even after their own child has aged out. We all know Power Four football fans who are die-hard lifers, but what about less vaunted schools? If local parents of former players show up to watch a tennis match or volleyball game and say hello (bonus points if you bring snacks!), it really matters. It can instill a sense of continuity and give a mental boost to the coaches and players, reminding them that the community is bigger than just the current team.

The Reality

 If your child suffers an injury or has lost his starting spot, consider that it’s notable if you suddenly stop showing up the way you did before. Your support should be reliable, and your child will absorb the value of consistency when they see you model it.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.