To All the Loud Moms: Keep Cheering

Looking back on myself as a high schooler, I remember being shy and not liking the attention on me. Not one bit. But did that stop my family from making me a sign and cheering me on at a volleyball game? Nope. The interesting thing is that I forgot the embarrassment I felt back then, and only remember how loved it made me feel.

Now that I’m a parent, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable to be the loud mom at my kid’s game. But there’s no other way to be. I really have tried coaching myself to
“keep it cool” or be “low-key” or “calm down” but I just can’t, y’all. It comes out so naturally!

Maybe you’re like me, and other parents sit quietly around you, some making notes on the players, some talking strategy, some sideline-coaching, some looking overly anxious, or even completely distracted by their phones.

Meanwhile…

You hoot and holler and pump your fist.

You come up with catchy cheers and chants.

You take way too many videos and pictures.

You jump up and down when a goal is scored.

And high-five anyone remotely close to you.

Let the fellow parents on the sidelines side-eye your excitement and energy level.

Keep cheering anyway!

It’s all worth it when your kid turns back and smiles.

Or they push harder to gain momentum.

Or even roll their eyes and laugh.

They know you’re always there, cheering them on, because even if they don’t see you, they hear you. Loud and clear.

Soon, you’ll blink and there won’t be games to go to anymore. Then it will be graduations and weddings where you have a front seat. You keep being you, though. Keep showing up loud and proud and ready to cheer on your kids, no matter what they do, and one day, Lord willing, you’ll do the same for the grandkids too.

It doesn’t make you a hothead. It doesn’t make you obnoxious. It doesn’t make you over-competitive or boastful.

It makes you unapologetically you.

The other night, I asked my son if he wanted me to stop cheering loudly, and he smirked and said, “No, it’s normal.”

Let’s normalize cheering. Keep that enthusiasm and passion coming to the game. Moms like me need fellow loud moms out there on the sidelines.

But maybe just don’t cheer louder than me.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Order Now!

Articles by Courtney Smith

Courtney Smith

Courtney Smith is a freelance writer and proofreader specializing in crafting lifestyle content for parenthood blogs. With a background in communications and three years of experience, she brings to light narratives all about the home. Her work has also been featured in Focus on the Family magazines. When not immersed in reading or writing, Courtney can be found running or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and three children. Connect with her.