I always wanted a girl. Even when I was not a mother, I knew I would love to have a girl if and when I decided to become one. Then M came into my life, and it has been exciting to see her grow. She is so unlike me in so many ways. She is kinder and more forgiving than I ever was. She is outdoorsy, while I’m a couch potato. She must have gotten this trait from her father and my sister. She loves playing football, while I’m happy with just watching the matches on television. I generally avoid writing about her these days, but I thought to make an exception today. 

A Girl, An Annoying Parent & Football

M enjoys playing football and adores her football classes. S and I had decided initially that we wouldn’t push her to take up any extra classes unless she wanted to. We even never signed her up for the Olympiads till she wanted to, the subjects too were of her choosing. I’m not saying we are perfect, far from it actually, M will vouch for that. But there are certain things we try to be better at whenever we can remember. Football was something she asked for and we were more than happy to oblige. We as a family love to watch her play as well. It’s quite heartening. Just the other day, we took her to a football tournament for experience. It was there that I noticed something which got me thinking.

You know, as parents, it is, but, natural that we will get carried away with cheering for our kid’s team. And if it is a sport like football then you can imagine the excitement. That is what I was observing on the day of the tournament as well. It was encouraging. Parents of our generation giving importance and time to their kids’ interests in sports is a welcome change. But then I noticed one particular parent who was cheering not for her child but more to intimidate the kids in the opposition. I can’t express how vulgar and disgusting she seemed in the sea of parents. A part of me wanted to walk up to her and call her out on it. But I restrained myself. Suffice it to say I didn’t have a single good thought about her.

Parents of our generation giving importance and time to their kids’ interests in sports is a welcome change.

I think it is good to encourage and cheer for your children. You must. But when you do that with malice at other children, what are you teaching your kids? I wouldn’t want my daughter anywhere near that lady. Big red flag, if you ask me. But what can you do, there will always be such people around.

A Girl & Football

Well, moving on. What I also noticed on the day of the tournament was that M was the only girl child there. One parent walked up to me saying we should continue encouraging M, and that it was incredible to see a girl in a sea of boys. Of course, I was happy. And we want to encourage M as much as possible until she is interested. But it got me thinking. While the male footballers of India too can now think of football as a career, I’m not sure it is the same for women. How many of us know who is the captain of India’s Women’s Football Team? Not many, I’m sure. Well, I do hope things improve for women in sports such as football if M wants to give it a try provided she has what it takes in her.

Of course, in the academy she goes to, I have seen a few girls as well and some of them are just brilliant. I just wish the very best for these trailblazers.

That’s all for today. Until next time. Ciao!