GOOOAL FC Special: GFC had the privilege of engaging with parents of aspiring local footballers in a series of Q&As. We asked them how, in their own unique ways, they raise up their children to become good sportspeople and more. Here is what Mom of Iqmal Aziz, a youth goalkeeper in training, has to say.
“Victory is having done your Best!
If you’ve done your Best,
you’ve WON!”
– Iqmal the GK Mom
Q: Are you generally a “whatever makes you happy will make me happy” kind of parent or more of the “whatever makes me happy will make you happy” kind?
While there is no wrong and right answer for this, a balance of each approach can be effective.
Q: What are some milestones you celebrate with your children? Are your own standards for your children very high? Or is each child different (some are self-motivated, others need to push a little)?
I truly believe in recognising the child’s progression and giving him a pat on his back should you know he has given his 110% in terms of effort!
Personally, to me the term high standards is subjective, but knowing that my child goes out there and displays Good Teamwork, Excellent Sportmanship, trying the hardest and the best he can on the task he is given to do, that is most important!
As a mom to 3 sports children, I often aim to strike a balance between nurturing my children’s potential and allowing them to develop at their own pace.
Q: How do you deal with injuries? Calmly? Part of the process?
Whether they play high-impact sports or low-contact activities, one can’t run away from injuries. Even with all the precautions taken, one can still be down with injury. It is something we cannot foresee.
I personally try my best to practise calmness, assess the injury, work from there and focus on recovery and emotional support for the child. As a mom, injuries are the last thing I want my child to encounter but things do happen, and injuries are inevitable.
Behind those unfortunate injuries, it teaches our children skills like resilience, adaptability and perseverance.
Q: How do you find time for your own self; to do your own things?
I need to take good care of myself before I am able to take care of my kids. Happy Mom! = Happy Kids!
Planning my day and week ahead is something I have also worked on and it truly helps me get going. It’s challenging but it’s possible.