As this is my 3rd year, I’m changing things up a bit, you know, trying to evolve into a superior hockey-parent. It’s not easy, but what’s life without a little challenge?
So, the first 5 were yesterday. Let us continue…
6) I’m talking to everyone on the team. Part of it is because of #10, but I also made a commitment to my introverted self to stop being that guy who sits in the far corner of the bleachers and glares at everyone who tries to sit close to him. This year, I’m gonna be Chatty-Joe. It’s good training for me so I can reintegrate into the world. Plus, I’m going to do my best to make sure that I call people by their actual names. Progress, baby, progress.
The hoverboard that hasn’t been invented, yet, McFly!
7) No longer making his brother go to every game. First of all, he’s not into hockey. At all. Second, he’s a teenager now and I’m learning to pick my fights. Lastly, he’s bored out of his skull when he’s at the game. And cold. And that leads to him parking on the corner of super-grumpy and outright victimized. So, he can stay at home and invent the hoverboard.
8) I’m not stressing when a goal is scored on The Youngest. So far this year, he’s been shellacked which, as the coach says, “is the BEST training for a goalie.” Why have an awesome team that makes sure no one shoots on you? Have one where the other teams are bouncing a good dozen off your helmet.
See, the thing is, it doesn’t seem to stress out The Youngest that he gets 10-12 goals scored on him in a game. He’s delighted he stopped the other 40. So why let it stress me out?
Yes, this is how I look in PJs. At least in my mind.
9) I’m no longer dressing for success. In the past, I would make sure I have my best jeans on, and a good shirt, you know, to look like a proper, prepared parent, Now, f*** that. Hell, I may even show up for a 5am practice in my PJs. I count it as a good day if I remember to wear pants at all. Honestly, it’s just too much work to iron at 4:30 in the morning and, frankly, everyone else looks like they were thrown out of a homeless shelter so why shouldn’t I? Plus, I should be more approachable with my hair going every which way and sleepy lines creasing my face like the Grand Canyon, right?
10) I volunteered to do something for the team. This could have been my greatest mistake of all. What was I thinking?
So, next post, let’s explore my mental breakdown that thought volunteering would be a good idea.
About A Stepdad 