I really just don’t get parents sometimes when it comes to team sports. Since I’m in the middle of football with my youngest this will be my example, but really this goes for all team sports.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Well if my son had been carrying the ball that would have been a touchdown.” Or even better, when they tell their kids that they are the only ones that have any talent on the team.

First of all, those kinds of statements kill the kind of team comradery needed for teams to gel together at any age or level. That’s the kicker about a team sport. It doesn’t matter how fantastic you think your little athlete is—the opponent will not be beaten with only one player on the field. Every position is needed—yep even those that don’t carry ball. Shocking I know, but if somebody isn’t blocking, your little superstar is going to find themselves crushed to the ground right after every hike.

All children who delve into team sports should be taught the mantra found in the movie “Mystery Men.”

“I believe in my powers…I believe in the powers of my teammates,” through the highs and lows of competition, repeat, repeat, repeat. Great things happen when children let go of their egos and choose to work together. And sometimes that means we as parents need to let go of our egos as well and see the value in every position on the team.