sports Archives - Friday Night Wives

In Defense of “The Parents”: a Reminder for the Coaching Family

Remember that we coach in their sacred spaces. We are coaching the people they have loved, raised, cried, and prayed over long before we got them. For some, we are coaching their validation of self. I’m not making excuses for poor behavior, I’m offering a space for us to gather some empathy for ...

Family, Journal

A Note to Our Past Players: The Things You Didn’t Know

So when you come home to visit your family, don’t forget to come visit ours too. If you’re passing our house on the way out of town and you think about pulling in the driveway, do it. That bonus room in the new house is being built with you boys in mind—a place where the boys can always gather. ...

Journal, Marriage

For Love of the Game … and For the Wife Not Feeling It

I share this story in hopes of being an encouragement. We all come from different backgrounds, have different interests and personalities. We know for a fact that being a coach's wife is tough much of the time, and that some of us adapt to it better than others.

Journal

When You Lose a Player

My professional training is as a mental health therapist so I assume that is why we have received quite a few of these phone calls from coaching colleagues over the years. Through our own difficult experiences and those of others, I am hopeful that I may be able to share some tips here that can ...

Journal

Thinking Your Kid Needs to Specialize in a Sport Early? Read This First.

Some families may think complete and early commitment might be the magic formula for turning out a champion, but it might also be a path that leads to burnout or injury.

Family, Journal

If You Need Permission Not to Decorate this Season

If your time is better spent sending resumes, packing boxes, or cheering on your team at another tournament, that makes sense! On the other hand, if you find that Christmas decorations bring you joy then do it! Do it all. Do the baking and the cards and all the holiday things that make the ...