Resolution #1 

I resolve to not interfere with my sons and their friends when they are playing sports in the yard or the basement. As much as we parents like to think otherwise, kids usually have more fun playing sports when parents aren’t involved.

Resolution #2

I will not let it bother me that my youngest son has already decided not to pursue basketball professionally, which was my fantasy when I was young. Reality check, I never made it close to the NBA. His dream is to drive a stock car in the NASCAR series and tend to his farm in the offseason. Every kid should have their own personal dreams and we parents shouldn’t try to squelch them regardless of how farfetched they may seem. 

Resolution #3 

I will not let it bother me when I have to buy a piece of sporting equipment, even if it seems to happen too often. The lessons my sons learn while playing youth sports are like the catchphrase from the well-known credit card commercials…priceless.

Resolution #4

I’m going to continue to appreciate the friendships formed as a result of my family's participation in youth sports. We’ve had many fun times that have lasted long after the game concluded and created memories that we’ll all be able look back on and cherish.

Resolution #5

I believe this is the most important resolution. I’m going to stop getting depressed every time I read an article, or witness a situation, involving a knucklehead parent acting as if their kid’s game is a “life or death” situation.

Instead, I’m going to do everything I can to continue to stress all of the positives that amateur sports participation can offer. The positive reinforcement of youth sports is not just for myself, but for my child, teammates, their parents and the coaches. After all, I think more than 90 percent of the parents involved in youth sports are there for the right reasons and act accordingly. Unfortunately, we don’t hear about them in the national headlines.

Wouldn’t these resolutions be wonderful for all youth sports parents to make?

Unlike most other resolutions, these can have tremendous impact and lasting effects. The best part of this list, for me, is that it doesn’t include giving up desserts.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, New Year filled with positive youth sports experiences.   

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Not an Expert, Just a Dad … In this Crazy Game Called Life,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to [email protected] and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.