Created: 08/18/2009 9:28 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email By: Vineeta Sawkar

SAWKAR: Getting Used To A New Sport

After 5 years of cold mornings in an ice arena, I feel like I know how to be a hockey mom. After many fabulous summers of baseball, I know the ins and outs and duties of having a baseball player son. This week, though, we ventured into new territory. Football.

Let me tell you right now. I love football. There is nothing better than a fall afternoon or evening watching a good football game. We have spent many years watching our superstar nephew catch the pigskin and now we look forward to seeing him full time on the varsity at Como High School. We don't miss a Vikings game if we can help it although we watch it from the comfort of our couch. Needless to say, football is big in our house.

Monday night, though. I experienced something new. I saw my 9-year old suited up in full pads and helmet. It seemed so exciting but as I watched my little baby boy run with the ball in practice and then get knocked down by his buddy, I had to gasp a little. This sport is different. It's not like I didn't know that but there is something about watching your own son get smacked hard that is a little unsettling.

I know. You are going to say: what about hockey?" Well, they don't start checking players into the boards for a few more years so I haven't experienced that yet. In football, there is no getting around the hits and the full contact.

I am a football fan so I know that Adrian Peterson gets tackled but watching your little guy who is all of 68 pounds get knocked down is much different. I know my husband will laugh when he reads this but what can I say? I am just one of those moms who worries. I will say, though, it was wonderful to see the excitement in my son's eyes as he listened to his coach and learned the finer points of the game. 

It going to be a fun season....as long as I can watch without squirming too much!