Soccer Mom - NOT!!!

Remember how annoying the "Not" phase was? Yeah, I am hoping my kids never learn of that one, but in this post, I couldn't resist.

I have always thought of the term "Soccer Mom" as an insult and thus rejected being labeled as one. I played soccer from the age of 4 through high school. I love the game and have enjoyed coaching my kids periodically when a coach was needed. As a player, I was not the star but could hold my own on the field and even in my out of shape condition, enjoy actively participating in the practices I coach.

Soccer Mom to me represents:

• the mom screaming from the sidelines who most likely doesn't fully understand the game
• the stage mom of soccer
• the mom who pushes her kids to be the best
• the mom who expects her 6 year old to earn a soccer scholarship for college
• the mom who lives and breaths solely for her children's soccer 

Don't get me wrong, I cheer from the sideline but I have excepted the fact that my kids are not athletically inclined. They could care less and I am just happy to see them involved in something. I want them to have fun and form those childhood bonds through teamwork which link so much deeper than simple play dates.

• But then I do drive a mini-van filled with kids to practices and games. 
• Mine will be the loudest voice on the sidelines (though to my defense, only encouraging and praising comments from me).
• I just had my team make signs to decorate their vehicles so now my van will have soccer bling.
• I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. making these

SO as much as I hate to admit it, I probably do officially qualify for Soccer Mom status.