Football

I've been on both sides of a lot of "mommy" issues. I nursed and gave formula at various points. I have been a working Mom and a SAHM. My kids eat a lot of organic food...and some crap. They have devices and screen limits. And on and on.

But actually, the parenting decision that I've often felt most judged for has been to allow my 10 year old son to play tackle football. He begged to play from the time he could talk. When he was in second grade, we relented and gave it a try. And he was hooked from the moment he hit that field.

Trust me, I'm aware of the studies. I know all about the rampant and often covered up concussion issues in the NFL. I'm a bit of a research junkie. None of this is lost on me.

So, when my son wanted so badly to play this sport, I learned what I could. I studied up on heads up tackling, and on what other safety measures are now taken to keep kids who play football safer than kids who played a generation ago. And what I learned is that the sport my son plays is almost unrecognizable versus the sport one of my brothers played thirty years ago.

I'm not saying any of this to convince anyone else to let their kids play football. It's just the truth of what I learned. Additionally, my middle brother has had several pretty bad concussions...and he wasn't the one who played football. His concussions came from soccer, skiing, and likely from falling off a bed. My niece has had two concussions suffered while horseback riding. My point is...there are a lot of activities that can lead to concussions. Football has gotten the most attention for it, rightly, and the advantage to that is that when we know better, we do better. And we are doing better.

And the benefits my guy has seen from this sport cannot be overlooked. Football has taught him fitness. It has taught him mental toughness. Strategy. Discipline. Teamwork. Leadership. It has given him a sense of self confidence that is nothing short of magical, given where he was when he started.

As anyone who reads this blog knows, B was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade. First grade was a struggle for him. He started football in second grade, and it was nothing short of life changing. Finally, he'd found something he excelled at. Something that made him feel like his brain worked the way it "should." (His words.)

Ashland schools do these awards called "Role Model" awards. B has never gotten one. (Candidly, I think this is kinda bullshit, because there was one incident in particular where he was VERY clearly a role model, but that is a story for a different day). This has taken a toll on his self esteem from time to time. But then last season, one week at practice, he had a really good practice, and his coach gave him a t-shirt for being a good leader. That meant more to him than I can really put into words. Too see your child blossom is a gift.

As he's gotten older and matured, he's gotten more serious about his football. He studies his play sheets without having to be asked. He watches film of old NFL games and highlights constantly. He wants to be early to practices and games. He knows more past and present NFL players, and their stats, than even his Dad does. And that's saying something.

This is his passion. It is his favorite thing. Yes, my job is to keep him safe. And I feel that the sport has progressed in that arena. But my job is also to help him fly. And football makes him feel like he can.