My son started football today and it was an absolute blast. He is only four the team is 3-5 year olds and he's the smallest so he was a bit intimidated and he's already naturally shy. During practice before the game, He cried at one point the coach asked him if he was ok he said "I don't want to run that way with the ball" the coach said ok well wich way would you like to run Parker? And my son points to me lol. The only reason I tell you this is because before and after the game he was ohhhhhhh so excited but during he was so scared he's never been exposed to that many children in his age range. (The main reason I put him in a sport). He play for i9sports and it's not like park district where there is concession stands and what not and there is no "bring drinks and snacks rule for each kid on certain days." But I was wonder if I did bring each of the kids gator aide and maybe a lil snack to let my son pass out after the game would be tacky or rude? I just feel if he did this and passed it out he'd be more comfortable talking with the other kids and even the coaches. So I just wanted your input on how I could go about this. I just want him to get more comfortable and bringing drinks and snacks every week is ok with me if he is happy. And please no negative feed back on how I have a 4 year old in football. He loves the sports and so do I. It was his choice on what sport my choice that he will play something. So please no negative feedback just looking for opinoins on how you would feel being another childs mother on the same team. Would you embrace it be offended or just plan out think I'm rude in some way?
I should also add part of his discomfort today is possibly due to having ear infection in both ears and bronchitis (don't worry he's being treated and not contagious) but it was still hard for him to run around so that was possibly part of his "shyness" also.
And also the reason I chose i9sports is because they focus on learning the game and its non stop praise which I feel my son will do better with more so than worrying about winning or losing, Altho they did win lol. They also make sure thru out the season every child on every team gets a "medal" and my son recieved his today because the coach said it made him happy to see him getting out there and not giving up even tho he might not have felt up to par (from being sick). I orriginally wasn't going to let him play today because he was sick and just have him meet his team and watch but he begged to play and I couldn't tell him no as long as he wasn't over doing it. Sorry just wanted to add that lol
She is on the team so whe'd know if a snack list has been circulated. I would make a snack bag. They can eat it after the game in the car. That way the food-allergy kids can let dad eat whatever is 'bad' for them. Just put in one of the small bags of chips, a stick of gum and a Capri Sun. Its cute. Who would not love that?!
I like the idea actually. I agree, bring a few waters, but make sure there are enough gatorades for everyone who wants one. If I was a mother I would say THANKS!! My only concern is if you can afford to do this every week. If you do it all the time, then you have to keep doing it. But, every once in a while is ok too. Its up to your pocketbook. I hope he feels better about being with other kids soon. Oh, I think taking them all out for ice cream or pizza or something might be good too. Mixing them in common likes with no expectations of doing well in a sport...less competition.
Don't do this every week-its just not done that way. I would find it really odd if that heappened on one of my kid's teams to be honest.
Do it one time only but make sure to ask the coach if its ok. I also don't really think its going to help your son. I know you don't want any negative feedback but you do have to consider that *maybe* your son is just not ready for sports yet. Most kids actually are really NOT ready at 4. SOmetimes a parent's eagerness to have their children in sports actually has the opposite effect and makes the child dislike the activity for years to come.
I would not do this without asking the coach, and I would let the coach pass it out so it wouldn't have any impact on the "shyness" issue.
Otherwise you're promoting the idea that:
*the policy should now include snacks
*your family is playing "outside the box
*you're looking for a situation where your child will stand out
Now, I know your intentions are good, but please stop & think before you do this.
Better he becomes part if the team and makes friends by exhibiting good sportsmanship, not bribes! Lol
Ask the coach and remember, not every parent allows sports drinks and certain foods.. So do not be discouraged if some people decline. Or take water as an option..
Get lots of photos. My nephew is the quarterback on his varsity team.. They are searching for their pee wee photos for a booster club film...at the end of the season... Wish we had more from his pee wee teams...
We've been playing sports for a few years now. This is our third year for football and we have played baseball for four years. Our last year of baseball the coach corrinated with the parents so every parent had a turn where they brought snacks and drinks for each game. I personally wouldn't be offended if another parent had her child hand out a snack or drink, i might feel obligated to do the same, but definantly not offended. If anyone did, it would only be because they didn't think of it first or they would be the type to be offended by just about anything.
I would not do this, to be honest. Now, if the coach likes it, that's one thing. But think about it - other families may feel pressured to follow suit and all the sudden it's a oneupsmanship going on.
I don't really think that what you are considering is going to help your son be more comfortable. TIME and experience on the team is what he has to have. That, and becoming older and more mature.
The part about wanting to run to you was just darling, Mom!
Dawn
Yes, it's great when parents bring snacks/drinks for the kids.
I don't think I would do gatorades and snack for all. I would suggest that maybe you bring a big bag or bowl of orange slices that the kids can all snack on and give it to the coach to keep on the sidelines for half time or end of game. I would not have your son hand it out...it isn't really going to help his comfort level to do so.
I would ask the coach. They may have an assistant that is over this already. If not I would volunteer to coordinate it if the coach was okay with it. I know that being such a contact sport they may not want them to eat or drink anything but a little water.
I am envious, we can't afford football for our little guy and he wants to play a lot.
It's $50 to sign up then another $50 for the protective gear/pads and pants.
I think in most sports, they assign snack days. So just make sure you aren't accidentally doing this on someone else's snack day. Or make sure to trade days with someone. Otherwise, it will be just fine.
I think your son's behavior is completely normal. Our son went through it with tball. His nickname from the coach because "the speaker of the house" because he could not get our son to talk...at all. Our son also freaked out at games because although he loved practice he didn't like that everyone stared and yelled at game time. Just be patient, your little guy will come around.
because this is not usually done I would check with the coach. If you don't mind doing it each week I don't see the problem with it. The idea of everyone taking a week is because it is a TEAM which means everyone helps out, and each kid gets a turn. The kids are always so excited to bring their stuff to share with the other kids. Having been team mom and working with the kid (girls) I always knew what snack would be after the game because the girl who brought them would be giddy telling me. If the other parents question you simply tell them it is something you love to do and don't mind doing it even if it is every week. but if they wanted to volunteer one week to just let you know. Otherwise you will do it. (just be careful not to get worn out and start complaining no one else helps. Not saying YOU will do this but sometimes people take so much on and then complain when no one helps. Just know what you are committing to thats all.)
We had picture day yesterday for both my girls for soccer and we knew we would be there for at least 4 hours in the HOT HOT sun. We brought our easy up and our chairs and when each girl's team was there of course we shared (shade and chairs even though we only had 2). We brought a cooler of water and some juice boxes for us although we did share a few with girls who had to be there for a long time like us. I didn't bring for the whole team let alone both teams. Honestly it didn't even cross my mind as it was picture day. But one family on my 4 year olds team did bring apple slices and juice for the girls. We have a snack schedule for the girls for the games but picture day there was no plan. It was almost 100 degrees and everyone on the team was so grateful there were cold refreshments. They did have some extras so they offered to anyone who wanted them. I didn't think anything bad about them only how thoughtful and generous it was. On that team everyone is so kind and willing to help. It is so wonderful. On my other daughter's team no one wants to help do anything. The coach's family and my family do everything.
All my kids' teams have always had a snack sign up. Someone volunteers as snack mom and passes around the sign up sheet. A different family brings snack each week. They didn't tell you specifically what to bring but most families followed the recommended guidelines, which were water and fruit for halftime, and treats, juice/sports drinks after the game. Treats were usually things like donuts or muffins for morning games, cookies or rice crispy treats or something similar for afternoon.
So ask the coach before you take it upon yourself to start bringing treats, because they probably have a system/policies already in place.
I think it's a really nice gesture of you and don't understand why anyone would be offended. Maybe the other moms would even want to join in and take turns bringing the snacks. That's how it's usually done---not sure why your league doesn't suggest that.
Anyway, the only thing I would suggest before you do this is to PLEASE ask the other parents if their children have any food allergies. You wouldn't want to bring something that a child couldn't eat or that would put him in any danger from exposure.
I'm a mom of a child with nut allergies. We thought he'd outgrown all of his food allergies after pretty extensive testing with his allergist, but after eating a pistachio earlier this year, he had an anaphylactic reaction. I had to give him the epipen, call 911, and he ended up spending hours in the pediatric ER. Not fun, but thank goodness I was with him when it happened, still had epipens around, and knew what to do.
Having two teams running around on the field is a lot more intimidating than just practicing with his own team. Your son just needs some time. He'll begin to feel more comfortable as he gets used to being around all the other boys and gets into a routine with the games. It's just all new to him now.
Good luck and hope you have a great season. We just had our flag football season opener today, and you're right---it's so much fun!
Best wishes,
J. F.
Hm...my daughter is doing cheer with i9 here in Jax, and they DO have a drink and snack sign up. I don't think I would be offended, but I *would* think that you were setting it up so other parents would have to do the same.
As others have said, I think only the exposure over time will help him feel more comfortable. Although, if there are some kids he does get along with, maybe you can set up an outside playdate....
I agree with the ones who said ask the coach. I think it's a great idea and if I was another parent on the team, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I'd think it was a nice way to get to know other families. But, I would check with the coach in case their are specific rules against it.
When you do it, make it clear to the other parents that you were just doing it as a way for your son to open up and you don't expect anything in return.
Your son must look so cute in his uniform and helmet!
