TL;DR
- Discussing men’s sports with kids can be fun.
- Start conversations gradually throughout childhood.
- Let your son play sports to learn.
- Teach him about women’s sports history.
- Use privilege to fight for equality.
As a lesbian couple raising our adorable son Jude, we’ve always known that our family dynamic would come with its own set of unique challenges. From the moment he entered this world, we realized there would be plenty of conversations that would require a little extra thought. One of those conversations? How to explain that men play sports too. Spoiler alert: it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
First off, let’s face it: Jude is still in the early stages of his communication journey. Right now, his vocabulary is limited to a few adorable sounds, and he’s more interested in throwing things than understanding the complexities of gender in sports. But as he grows, we know we’ll need to introduce him to the world of men’s sports, and we’re ready to tackle it with flair!
One of the best ways to start is by letting him play sports himself. We’ve set up multiple basketball hoops around our home—yes, even in the bathtub! It’s a fun way to show him that there’s at least one man in his life who plays sports: him! Plus, it’s a great excuse for us to join in on the fun. Who doesn’t love a little family basketball?
Next up, let’s talk history. Did you know that the men’s basketball association has been around since 1949, a whopping 47 years longer than the Women’s Basketball Association? That’s a fact worth sharing! We plan to dive into the history of sports together, making it a bonding experience that’s both educational and entertaining. And while we’re at it, we might as well binge-watch some of those iconic sports shows. Anyone else still mourning the cancellation of Winning Time?
Now, here’s a pro-tip: separate adult interests from child interests. Sure, I might find the romantic entanglements of players more interesting than the games themselves (who doesn’t love a little gossip?), but Jude doesn’t need to know about that just yet. For him, sports are just about having fun and playing ball, and that’s perfectly fine.
And let’s be honest, we don’t have to spill all the beans right away. Some conversations can wait until he’s older and can grasp the complexities of topics like sports gambling or the importance of equal pay in athletics. It’s crucial that he understands how hard women athletes have fought for their rights, especially since women’s sports are thriving in our household. We want him to grow up with a sense of privilege and responsibility to advocate for equality.
Ultimately, it’s okay to let some topics simmer until they come up naturally. Maybe he’ll see men playing sports on TV one day and ask about it, or perhaps he’ll stumble upon a mixed-gender sports bar. When that day comes, we’ll be ready to engage in those discussions. Until then, we’ll keep celebrating the incredible women athletes who inspire us every day.
In the end, talking about men’s sports doesn’t have to be a monumental task. With a little creativity and a lot of love, we can navigate these conversations while ensuring that Jude grows up with a well-rounded understanding of sports and the importance of inclusivity. So, let’s lace up those sneakers and get ready for some fun!
https://www.youtube.com/user/autostraddle