This is the time of year to think of the people and life experiences for which we are thankful. Family, good health, friends, a welcoming home and nutritious food often top our lists. As we spend substantial time surrounded by athletes training and competing, we can find numerous reasons to be grateful for sports.

Benefits for Athletes

Athletes can be thankful for the positive impact sports have on their lives. The benefits begin when they are training and continue through other aspects of their lives. Of course, there are days when gratitude may not be what they are feeling for their sport. However, looking at the big picture, athletes can be grateful for:

Team camaraderie

Friends who motivate them and understand their determination and time commitment

A fun road to physical fitness

Learning life lessons such as time management, self-care, goal setting, and work ethic

Having a healthy outlet for their energy and competitive drive

The glowing feeling of success after a positive training session or event

Grateful Sports Parents

Parents with children involved in sports often feel frazzled and overwhelmed by the sacrifices their families make. Time and money spent for training, games, competitions, and equipment can make anyone feel overextended. However, watching your child play, practice, and master new skills can provide grateful moments. Parents can be thankful for:

A safe outlet for their child

Connection with other parents of athletes

Pride of watching their child strive for and achieve their goals

Learning about nutritional needs of your athlete as well as your family

Time to cheer for and encourage their athletes’ self confidence

Coaching with Gratitude

Coaches have unique responsibilities that are not shared with many other professions. Aside from the vast knowledge of their individual sport, their skills range from lessons in sports psychology, fitness and health, general nutrition, communication, and more. A coaching career is also special as coaches work with a wide variety of athletes and their families. They can tailor each training session to benefit one particular athlete or improve the function and cohesiveness of a team. Every day brings a new experience along with a chance to improve on the day before.

Coaches may be grateful for sports because their role brings:

The opportunity to share a sport they love with their athletes

Built in fitness while working

Working with wonderful parents who support their athletes

Gracefully guiding athletes through losses and humbly celebrating wins

Watching athletes grow and thrive from lessons their sport provides

When you sense a feeling of gratitude chauffeuring your athlete or cheering on their team, make note of why you are thankful. You have a special chance to connect with and influence your child in ways not all parents will experience. If you haven’t identified a warm and fuzzy moment, there is no pressure. Parenting athletes is work. When all involved have the best intentions and the well-being of your child at heart, I hope you will find there are many reasons to be grateful for sports.