I was an AC on every team my DD was on in 8U-10U rec, and 10U-12U TB. Things grew more and more adversarial over the years. As much as I really tried to treat her exactly the same as the other players when we were on the field, she always felt like I was being different with her. It lead to a lot of rough moments, and I could feel a resentment growing. Moving to a different team and org for 14U, where I wasn't one of the coaches, was better for both of us. I also separated myself from her hitting instruction. We would still look at video of her swings together, and talk about what was really working, but I kept my mouth shut during any hitting sessions together.
Sure, I loved coaching. Helping young players reach a new level in their game, and build confidence and self-esteem was awesome. I met a lot of really amazing young athletes who I will always be fans of. However, softball isn't my game. It's my DD's game that I found a place to fit into. Changing my level of involvement was the right choice.
A couple more years down the road, and we found a balance. I stay off the field, but being involved with the team on peripheral things (score keeping and live-streaming) is just fine for both of us. That said, I would be fine being just a parent. After all, NOTHING is better than having a front row seat to seeing my DD be awesome at the sport she loves.
Sure, I loved coaching. Helping young players reach a new level in their game, and build confidence and self-esteem was awesome. I met a lot of really amazing young athletes who I will always be fans of. However, softball isn't my game. It's my DD's game that I found a place to fit into. Changing my level of involvement was the right choice.
A couple more years down the road, and we found a balance. I stay off the field, but being involved with the team on peripheral things (score keeping and live-streaming) is just fine for both of us. That said, I would be fine being just a parent. After all, NOTHING is better than having a front row seat to seeing my DD be awesome at the sport she loves.