Dear Ms. Mabel,

What’s with the obsession with youth sports in this community?

My son is playing baseball this year for the first time. There are parents bragging about spending hundreds on bats their kids can barely swing, paying for private coaching in 8U, and yelling at their kids from the stands if they mess up.

I don’t just see it in baseball. I have friends paying thousands of dollars a year for their kid to do cheerleading and dance, and driving all over for travel sports.

What’s the deal? My kid doesn’t understand it now, but if he continues to want to play, how do I keep him from getting jealous of the other kids whose parents take it all wayyyyyy too seriously?

Fun(?) and Games,
Gallatin, TN

Dear Fun(?) and Games,

Truth be told, I don’t disagree that parents can get too wrapped up in seeing their kids being, and having, the very best when it comes to sports.

BUT…

And this is a BIG but. Like a but the size of my butt that winter after I found out I could get Entenmann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies shipped straight to my door (man, them things are good; they’re so little, before you know it you’ve sat there and ate 27 of ‘em).

Anyways, I got off track. A good cookie will do that to you.

Back to the “but” with only one “t.”

Yes, I do agree with you—but let me just say, you’re spending ENTIRELY too much time worrying over the way other people spend their money. They work for that money just the same as you, so it ain’t none of your business how they spend it.

Now, moving forward, how do you keep your son from getting jealous over what other kids have?

Well, I’d start with taking care of your OWN jealousy. I’d imagine that most of your issues with parents going overboard stem from feeling guilty that you can’t (or don’t want to) do the same.

Girl, stop all that.

You’re a grown-up. You get to value what you value and do the best you can with what you have. The fact that you signed that boy up for baseball says you’re doing a lot better than most.

One of the perks of parenthood is that you get to pass along your values and priorities to your children. If you create a culture in your home that’s full of gratitude for what you do have—and are careful not to transfer any hard feelings to the little guy—he’ll do the same.

Maybe create your own “special” things around his baseball games, too. A sticker for his helmet every time he does something good, a pack of gum to chew during the game, or even a special treat afterwards will go a long way. Kids are so easily influenced and excited that it doesn’t have to be expensive—just make it special.

I know it’s hard not to compare, but you’ll be doing you AND your boy a big favor by getting a handle on it now. Good luck, darlin’. I’ll be praying for you.

P.S. If you’re looking for after-game treat ideas, I recommend Entenmann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re WAY better than any expensive bat or cleats anyways.

Disclaimer: Ms. Mabel is NOT compensated for her endorsement of Entenmann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies…but she’s open to negotiating a deal if y’all know somebody.