We’ve All Been That Sports Parent
At one time or another, every parent has found themselves getting a little too into the game. From pacing the sidelines to shouting encouragement (or maybe complaints) louder than we intended, we’ve all been there. And it turns out, we’re in pretty good company — even Hollywood stars and NBA legends aren’t immune.
Take actress Gabrielle Union, for example. In a recent clip, she admitted to going full “sports mom mode” while watching her son’s basketball game. And honestly? Her story will sound very familiar to anyone who’s ever cheered from the bleachers.
Why It Hits Home
Hearing Gabrielle share her sideline antics is funny because it’s so relatable. Whether you’ve whispered advice a little too loudly, second-guessed a ref’s call, or celebrated a play like it was the championship, we’ve all crossed into “passionate parent” territory.
But behind the humor is an important reminder: the way we show up on the sidelines has a big impact on kids’ experience of the game. A little too much pressure, even when it comes from love, can shift the focus away from fun.
Turning Passion Into Support
So what’s the answer? No one’s saying parents should stop caring — far from it. Kids thrive when they know their families are cheering them on. The key is making sure our passion supports their growth rather than adding pressure.
That’s where communication and organization come in. When programs have the right systems in place — whether it’s coaches sharing clear feedback with families or simple tools like on-demand team stores through Signature Locker — it takes a lot of stress out of the season. Parents don’t have to worry about the small stuff (like scrambling for uniforms) and can stay focused on the big stuff: supporting their kids.
The Takeaway
We’ll probably all have a “Gabrielle Union moment” again at some point (because who doesn’t get excited when their kid makes a great play?). But with the right culture and systems behind the scenes, families can spend more time enjoying the game — and less time stressing on the sidelines.
Ian Goldberg is the CEO of Signature Media and the Editor of the largest and fastest growing sports parenting newsletter. He’s been recognized as an industry expert by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the US Olympic Committee’s Truesport, and the Aspen Institute's Project Play. Ian is also a suburban NJ sports dad of two teenage daughters and has over 2,000 hours of volunteer time coaching them (which he calls the most fun form of R&D for his newsletter content). Ian and his team provide players, coaches, parents and program directors with the articles and content they need to have a great sports season. Ian has spent most of his career in digital product development and marketing and got his start at the White House where he worked for the economic advisors to two US Presidents.
