Coach's Kids

Coach's kids amusing themselves during practice!

I coach, I am a coach. It's not really something you can separate from my fundamental being any more than you can mom, teacher or runner. My kids therefore are THE COACH'S KIDS or a Coach's kid (and there is a difference).

Coaches' kids are not like other kids whose parents work in an office.  They spend countless hours in gyms, on tracks, at pools, or at a field.  They have to learn to sleep in the back of the office, on a bench, the middle of the field and in the back seat of a bus or car.  They also have to develop a stomach for concession stand food, left overs and fast food.  Supper time could be early, late or catch what you can. Most coaches' kids can pack a to go bag with extra clothes, things to amuse themselves and enough snacks to cover an overtime match or waiting for a parent to pick up a kid. Most coaches' kids know that when it's a win it's happy meals and ice cream on the ride home, and if it's a lost then it's sit down and shut up on the ride home.

Colin and Elijah waiting on mom making a purchase for team

Coaches' kids have a array of school/team attire.  They are expected to be on their best behavior at all athletic events.  There is the mandated family photo for the program where you have to pretend that you dress in shirt and tie and your mom coaches in a dress and heels (I only wear dresses for special occasions and the heels come off in the first five minutes).  You also have to refrain from slapping your sibling or making a funny face, or just not participating in whatever public activity for your parent's program. People are usually nice in front of the coach's kid and refrain from making comments. Good thing with my kids because they're not real quiet and like to tattle. Due to your availability as a coach's kid you are enlisted to keep books, set up, clean up. After all, if you have any hope of getting home, then you better move the process along while your coach parent deals with press and parents, and you better do it with a smile because everyone is watching you and how your parent handles you. The coach's kid has inside knowledge of practice plans, the coach's mood and assessment of player's abilities and must keep all that information to themselves.

Josie with a nutritious ice cream for supper!

It takes a special kid to be the son or daughter of a coach.  Whether they choose to play the sport they're parents coach, play for their parent, or never play sports because they're parents coach. Next time your at an athletic event, if you see one of these rare creatures, please be kind.  Give them a hug, or some food, something to do or a tee shirt without the team logo on it!

Thanks,
Coach With 5 Awesome Coach's Kids