I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before—I have a naturally booming voice. It takes very little for my volume to out blast almost anyone—even my version of a whisper carries more than any whisper should. I’ve learned to not just live with it but to accept the good and the bad that come from having such a noticeable trait. It really can be of service in the right settings.

Football is one of those “right settings” where I allow my voice full rein to get as loud as it wants. Yeah, I get parents who look at me like I’m the crazy mom, but trust me, I’m using my full faculties in these moments. I know every word that comes out of my mouth will be heard by all who are there, so I consciously choose to say uplifting words for the entire team rather than just for my son. By doing so, I’m creating a space where other parents who get the urge to shout won’t be stopped by feelings of embarrassment. It works too. It usually takes most of the season games for the other parents to catch on—but by the end everybody’s yelling.