A parent fan

My husband told me a few days ago that he was sure I loved those nail-biter games my kids play. I actually had to pause and think if that was really true. Yes, one of my greatest joys is to watch my children perform. I look forward to every football game, basketball game, play, track meet, recital… whatever they’re involved in, but it is also extremely painful to watch them compete or perform at times.

My daughter has been involved in some very competitive basketball games lately, and although basketball is my favorite sport to watch, and was my favorite sport to play, I am almost sick to my stomach before some of these important games even start. And during the intense and close games, I can get very worked up. I can hear my heart pounding in my chest before the first quarter is over.

I’m sure most of you parents out there feel the same way.

I remember watching one Winter Olympics, and they had a camera on a set of American parents whose daughter was competing in ice skating. As I watched them watch their daughter perform, it was the epitome of parenthood. They were so happy and excited for her when she did well, and they suffered with her when she did not. They covered their eyes off and on and grabbed onto each other each time their daughter attempted a difficult move. They were also very relieved when it was over and ended well.

Relief is what I felt after a couple of nail-biter games my daughter played in the last week, especially because they ended well. When my kids do not end with their team on top, I am disappointed with them.

It’s the same way when they take important tests in school. I am always waiting on pins and needles to know how they scored.

I was never as nervous for myself as I am for my own children when they perform, because when I participated in something myself, I had some control as to the outcome. When I watch my children, I am completely helpless because I have to leave it to them to do for themselves.

As a child, it also helped knowing my parents would be proud of me as long as I gave my best effort in whatever I did. I hope that my children feel the same way. I am much more proud of their effort and their character than I am of them when they score high on a test or a bunch of points in a basketball game.

As they become adults, I’m sure the nerves will only get worse as the stakes become higher. They will venture into the workforce and possibly marriage and parenthood. That’s when you have to completely turn them over to God and to their own efforts.

It’s nice that I get some preparation for their adult lives by watching them during intense performances. They could always fall flat on their faces, and I would have to be there to watch and possibly help pick them up.

But I wouldn’t change any of it. Although it’s painful, like all good things, the pain is worth it in the end when they come up to you and give you a hug with either a smile on their face or tears in their eyes knowing you will always be there for them - win or lose.