[Puzzle1031]

My son starts soccer for the first time on this Thursday. I am excited for him. However, as always scared of who will be there. Are they all going to be skinnier than me or looking, judging me. Will the accept me and part of me say who gives a shi.. This is for my son don't care about others. But I am still scared. This is a place I have never been, so I am out of my comfort level. Any advice or people like this?

[Vibe]

Hi, my sister plays soccer and I used to play as well when I was a kid. From what I can tell, it was never that big of a deal for the parents. The fields are large enough that the adults tend to have some space to spread out and walk around, thus they wouldn't be forced to socialize if they didn't want to. Also, most people are watching the kids - especially their own. So I have never seen much judgment towards the parents and most conversation also tends to revolve around parenthood. Thus, I think it could be a really great environment to work on your phobia. Around here you can be around people without having to be too close or really interact. I'm not sure how it is there, but I hope you can have a similar experience.

I can understand social phobia though, and if it still seems like it's all too much for you at the moment, you could just drop your son off at practice. Sometimes my mother will sit in the car and keep an eye on the field, or if she's comfortable with the set-up, she'll do some shopping and while my sister plays. I do think it's really great that you're trying to work through your phobia so your son can have this experience though. Wishing you and him all the best!

[Indie'sOK]

I agree with Araya. I played soccer in first grade and I remember that my parents wouldn't sit with the other parents or socialize with them or anything. They'd sit there in lawn chairs and watch the game. Is there anyone you could bring along with you, a friend or someone, to watch the game with and talk to? You could always bring a book to read if you feel uncomfortable and need something besides the game to focus on. I understand how you feel and I too am glad you are working on your phobia. Sending good wishes x

[Muser]

Puzzle

Good for you for giving this a try....one step at a time.

Best wishes

[feary]

what about thinking that other parents may feel similar to you? and what's the worst that can happen? are they going to make fun of you? no are they going to announce something about you in public? no are they going to ban you from coming to the field? no are they going to kick your son off the team? no

they won't do anything - probably just wonder what they are going to make for dinner or what they have to pick up from the grocers

they are not inside your head so do not view you the way you view yourself, they have their own issues too, everyone does

just go with the goal of having a conversation with at least ONE parent

[lynn P.]

I've been attending both my girls soccer games for 6 yrs. It's up to you to socialize or not and I truly don't care what the other parents look like. Most of the parents are too busy watching the game and cheering their kids on. Get yourself one of those portable chairs and a pair of sunglasses and enjoy the game. Sit with your teams side and sometimes we talk about the passes or how hot it is or what ever comes to mind. You'll be fine.

[Puzzle1031]

Everything went fine and I even socialized.

[Muser]

(((Puzzle)))

All I can say is Yeah!!!!!!!!!

Good for you

[bigbrat]

HI Puzzle1031,
Forgive me i am new on this site. Don't know how everythings works. I just wanted to tell you to just be yourself. You are there for you child. Keep your head up and smile. If you don't feel like talking to anyone then don't. If they talk to you just relax and give them one word answers until you are comfortable to caring on a long conversation. Just go and smile i think you will do just fine.