10 Resolutions for a Happier Family in 2020

Parenting is hard work. Most of us are overly - tough on ourselves, and the holidays seem to amplify our perceived flaws and failures.

As you look ahead to the new year, remember that sometimes the best present is being present.
Carpools and snack duty, rescheduled practices and dirty uniforms all add up—and quickly. And it’s when we’re feeling the pressure to be perfect parents that many of us snap, using words we don’t mean in tones that make us cringe as we hear ourselves.

We may not make it through each day perfectly, and that’s not the point. Our goal should be to commit to making improvements that are reasonable, sustainable and that recharge our emotional batteries!

With that goal, here are 10 resolutions we can commit to in 2020 to help us become better sports parents (and just happier, overall):
In 2020, I/We will commit to:

1. More dinners at home. Yes, I’ll make their favorite, and yes, they will still have to eat their veggies.
2. Giving my undivided attention: I’ll set aside time each day to spend time with my kid/s with no cell phones, no interruptions.
3. Unconditional, non-confrontational support from the stands. I’ll let them know I know they’ve got this. And they don’t need me yelling about it.
4. Being a better listener. No more endless questions about practice or schedules—they will tell me what’s important.
5. Praising hard work. Some days none of this is fun. But sticking with it and trying hard are as much a win as any score. Sometimes I'm louder about the other things, but I know this is what matters.
6. Doing something together that has nothing to do with sports. Go to a museum, have a movie marathon, just something that doesn’t involve a competition.
7. Stop complaining and remembering that the life lessons they get from sports are something I can’t give them on my own.
8. Remember that the sports experience starts with packing the car (which I’ll do with as little stress as possible) and includes the ride to the game (I’ll let them decide what we listen to or talk about on the way).
9. Modeling good behavior. I’ll show good sportsmanship from the sidelines, I’ll put family first, and I’ll do it with a smile.
10. Remember that it’s not about us, it’s about them. So, I’ll encourage them to get out there and have fun!

Learn more about being a successful sports parent at inCourage.com.

Written by Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., M.B.A. For nearly two decades, Wayne has been intimately involved in sports management education, sports media, and coaching. He achieved the rank of Clinical Professor of Sports Management and served as an Academic Chair. McDonnell was a Co-Director, Program Development and Special Initiatives for New York University’s Sports and Society.