Being a “sports mom” isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes dedication, time, and effort to show up for your kids. For Jaala Wallin, being an involved parent or a “sports mom” means being available to her children in all aspects of their lives to help with homework, give advice, and sometimes just being there to listen. It also means showing up to things that are important to them, providing encouragement, and cheering them on.
Wallin got started with helping out because she saw an area where help was needed and wanted to help. She was also encouraged by another swim students mom, Jeanette Mendez, to get involved. Wallin and Mendez both had boys on the swim team that were friends, so it made the decision a very easy one. One of Wallin’s favorite memories of being a sports mom so far, was watching her son qualify for state last year. “I know that was his goal, and to see him accomplish that goal was awesome. I was so happy for him,” Wallin said.
Her greatest contribution to her child’s sports program is being a part of the swim boosters. “The swim team isn’t as big as other sports, so it takes help from as many people that are able to make sure we are fundraising, running the swim meets, and just making sure our kids are not worrying about anything other than swimming and having fun,” Wallin says. The toughest part about being a sports mom is seeing your child upset with a performance and begin to get discouraged. “As a parent you of course want to see your child succeed and there will be times when they don’t meet a goal they have set for themselves, but when they start to get discouraged you just hope the discouragement is something they can work through and get past,” Wallin says.
When things get tough for Wallin, her husband, kids, and other swim moms keep her going. Another parent that Wallin would like to mention is Jeanette Mendez. “She does a lot for the swim boosters and everyone can learn from Jeanette,” Wallin says.
By Ariel Casida
