I’ve watched Bring it On at least a dozen times. I’ve dressed up as a cheerleader for Halloween, but in my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would be a cheer mom. As I reflect on the past four months, I realized that I really found myself as a cheer mom this year. While my kids have played every sport that recreation leagues have to offer and then some, the camaraderie with other parents all hoping their squad is going to win, while simultaneously cheering for every single cheerleader, is incredibly refreshing.
Meeting New People
When we started this journey, neither my daughter or I knew anyone because we live in an entirely different town. Both her and I spent hours at community campus. We were devoted to learning football sideline cheers, new lingo, and choreography. Throughout this process, we both came out of our slightly introverted shells, beginning to ask questions and talk to others. Somewhere along the way, between toe touches and late night Earl Grey tea lattes, we both made some great connections. I found myself able to start conversations with other parents through the common bond of cheer.
Connecting With My Child
Most of us tend to stay in our comfort radius of living. I like to shop at the local grocery store, order packages (sometimes too many) to my house, and socialize with friends in our circle. Driving to a cheer competition in Roxbury or a football game an hour away was not on my bingo card this year. However, by having a destination to go to, we were able to try new places like Snowport Boston and create new adventures. The car rides were spent talking about school and friendships, as well as discovering new music and creating amazing memories. I found myself learning new things about my daughter — and myself.
Being Supportive
I’ve always played sports with the mentality that one team is a clear winner. While this is still the case with cheer; there is more to the sport than winning. At every cheer competition, there are at least a dozen other teams competing against you. I’ve never seen parents and coaches from other teams support each team as they strive for their collective best. It’s not necessarily about being a Grand Champion or coming in last, it’s about the whole journey. Each parent holds their breath during stunts, and claps when a routine is clean. Everyone shares in the nervousness when someone falls, and everyone knows how to do the cha-cha slide by the end of the season. Wanting everyone to win has taught me how a good support system makes all the difference in the world.
Budgeting Time
I would say that I’m a solid type B+ mom. Budgeting enough time is a personal opportunity. When you have multiple kids in multiple activities, learning where you have give room is so important. I’ve learned to cherish multiple practices a week, because it means I get a moment to myself to enjoy a hot tea and a book; or to mindlessly scroll through social media. Carving out personal time is important for my mental health. Learning how to budget the time I have has forced me to utilize and share my calendar for the sanity of our entire family. Learning what call times mean and how much time it takes to get a high ponytail just right have made me appreciate every single dance and cheer parent a little more.
If I’ve learned anything this season, it is how to push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s also given me the opportunity to get to know my daughter better, and in a new way. Between the car rides home from late night cheer practice and holding my breath as she’s tossed in the air, we’ve created a bond as strong as the hairspray that holds her bow up.
