"Why do I spend more time in my car driving my boys to and from practice every week than I do at home?"

"Why do I spend six hours out of my Saturday at the football and soccer field?"

"Why do I spend the amount of money I do to keep my boys involved in sports all year long?"

"Why do I invest the energy, time, and money into being a sports mom?"

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I can't tell you how many times I've been asked these questions over the years; sometimes by those closest to me.

It's not that I'm looking for a ticket to early retirement (although let's be real, that'd be sweet!). It has nothing to do with that at all.

I do it because it teaches them to be less selfish.

I do it because it teaches them to be a team player.

I do it because it teaches them that hard work does pay off.

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I do it because it teaches them dedication.

I do it because it teaches them commitment.

I do it because it teaches them how to balance their time between academics and extracurricular activities.

I do it because it teaches them to have respect for authority.

I do it because it teaches them discipline.

I do it because it teaches them how to deal with defeat.

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I do it because of the joy they experience when they win.

I do it because it gets them away from electronics.

I do it because it keeps them off the streets.

I do it because of the long-lasting friendships they make.

I do it because of the health benefits they receive from being physically active.

I do it because it builds confidence.

I do it because it builds character.

I do it because it builds self-esteem.

I do it because it builds social skills.

You see, the answer is really quite simple. 

I don't do it for me. No, not at all. 

I do it all for them.

Here's what some of our readers had to say on the topic. Want to share your thoughts? Drop us a line on our Facebook page.

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Vanessa Mejia is the mother of three football-playing boys, ages 14, 12 and 9, and lives in northern Virginia. Her boys also play basketball, soccer and track and field. Her husband coaches football in the Fairfax County Youth Football League. She shares Team Mom ideas, tips and tricks along with other facets of her family’s life away from the football field. Read more of her work at https://confessionsofasportsmama.blogspot.com