Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:46     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


I think his response was based off of your tone... I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm never anywhere close to the sideline. Usually bit off in the distance, wandering between my kid's practices, talking to parents, checking and responding to emails for work, enjoying the outdoors (we have a beautiful complex). It's stress relieving for me... but everyone is different, I hope your way works for you.


Fair enough. I shouldn’t have said it that way if I truly intended it to be a productive comment.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:42     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


You seem really angry. I hope you and your kids are ok.


No you don't

You hope they and their kids are miserable.
But I like your reverse psychology


Predictable response - again assuming the worst. Just get help.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:31     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:I admittedly used to watch alot of the practices up until U13. I now regret doing so. Particularly after they enter a full pitch, the parents job is to get them there and offer moral support afterwards. Watching the last ten minutes of scrimmage is understandable. But let the kids have their own space. Go for a run. Do work in the car. Grocery shop. Call a friend. Your kid doesn't need you there hovering.


My kids needs me hovering then listening to my critiquing on the drive home
They all love it
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:23     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


You seem really angry. I hope you and your kids are ok.


No you don't

You hope they and their kids are miserable.
But I like your reverse psychology
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:21     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


I think that your responses and reactions automatically assume the worst of everyone and that is an issue that seeps into the rest of your life. Perhaps get off this forum and engage in less destructive stress release.


Sigmund Freud has entered the chat 😂

Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:19     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:I admittedly used to watch alot of the practices up until U13. I now regret doing so. Particularly after they enter a full pitch, the parents job is to get them there and offer moral support afterwards. Watching the last ten minutes of scrimmage is understandable. But let the kids have their own space. Go for a run. Do work in the car. Grocery shop. Call a friend. Your kid doesn't need you there hovering.

My oldest is u15 I watch from a distance at games + pickup/drop-off that it. The team even does team travel now which makes out of state games so much easier.

I did watch all the futsal games and practices when she was younger. But that was just fun to watch.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:13     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

I admittedly used to watch alot of the practices up until U13. I now regret doing so. Particularly after they enter a full pitch, the parents job is to get them there and offer moral support afterwards. Watching the last ten minutes of scrimmage is understandable. But let the kids have their own space. Go for a run. Do work in the car. Grocery shop. Call a friend. Your kid doesn't need you there hovering.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:11     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


I think his response was based off of your tone... I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm never anywhere close to the sideline. Usually bit off in the distance, wandering between my kid's practices, talking to parents, checking and responding to emails for work, enjoying the outdoors (we have a beautiful complex). It's stress relieving for me... but everyone is different, I hope your way works for you.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:04     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Not sure what the "case" is ... I am just stating what I / We do. I haven't seen any negative effects; my kiddos are pretty skilled at checking their shoulder ... I wish you the best of luck with you and yours.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 10:01     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


I think that your responses and reactions automatically assume the worst of everyone and that is an issue that seeps into the rest of your life. Perhaps get off this forum and engage in less destructive stress release.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:56     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children


You seem really angry. I hope you and your kids are ok.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:53     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The only red flag I see is the father calling boys. Are you sure this is really happening? If so, this should be stopped right away.

All the other stuff? Eh, welcome to soccer crazy town. His son will probably quit soon anyway due to the over reaching father.

I have a U15 girl. I drop her off at practice and go home. Then go back and pick her up after practice. Sometimes I get there to pick her up 30 minutes early if I'm running errands during practice and see the same 2 or 3 parents always there. I assume they're there the whole time? Just makes me shake my head, as one girl has parents (yes, mom and dad) as you describe.

At this age, I thought kids don't want to be seen with their parents? I know some other parents sit in their car in the parking lot after practice and just wait for their daughter to come to the car after practice. I'm looking forward to my daughter driving, so I don't have to drop off and pick up.

So, you are saying there is a light at the end of the tunnel?

Once you get to u13+ top teams the parents of kids that have been in the pipeline since u6 are pretty burned out + could care less what happens. Unless the team is winning which makes things exciting. But all the silliness tends to go away. Except if theres new parents on the team who's kid started late but is on the top team. They'll try to do the nonsense but it will fall on deaf ears.

I have a 2010 top team since 5yrs old player and a 2016 2nd team player. The 2nd team parents are 100% more fun to be around. But the older top team parents are getting to be less annoying now that the roster is more solidified.


Spot on. everyone please be gentle to the crazy Dads. It's like preschool and letting go for some Moms. This is a required step on the journey of kids growing up. The Dads are clinging to something that's disappearing quickly, baby-like DCs quickly becoming fully-functioning human beings who can't won't be controlled, and likely make better choices on the field and life than what crazy Dad thinks.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:35     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.


True
Every parent not sitting 2 inches from the sidelines for their kids entire practice everyday have horrible relationships with their children
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:27     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed


Yikes, u must have a terrible relationship with your children if that is what you got from the PP.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:24     Subject: Overly Invested Parents

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is on a MLSNext team and there are parents who watch practices. I don’t watch except occasionally when I get back early. But if I had time and weren’t busy working some more or running errands during practices, I would watch more. The parents are chill and don’t audibly say stuff to their kids. But mostly I enjoy watching my kid and his team play because they’re so good and focused and can’t we just appreciate that?


I mostly stay through all of my kid's practice. We are a soccer family and I have 3-5 that all play depending on when asked over the past 5 years. We drive 40 min to a bit over an hour depending on what field they are training on. I work inside all day and enjoy being outside in the evenings no matter the weather (rather than sitting in my car). My kids also seem to enjoy me being around (even my older ones) and notice when I am not. I don't engage with them at all nor do any of the other parents that are there. I see some of the same parents there, we talk and I have become friends with many of them. Truth be told, I enjoy it.


So instead of their focus being 100% on the coach, team and being dialled in on what they should be doing, they're checking the sidelines for you

Case closed