Now that September is here, the sign that hangs in the den of our home that reads, “We interrupt this family for football season” really comes into play.

That saying holds water for us twelve months a year, but it’s extra exciting to see those words when football season is actually here! My older son is now in eighth grade and will start practice later this week. He won’t have a Middle School game until next month but he and my younger son, heading into fourth grade, will start flag football in a couple of weeks.

I’m a few weeks away from watching my boys in action, but the butterflies have already kicked in as they may have for sports parents across the country. It’s an exciting time of year and there are always nerves as a new season approaches, but a different type of anticipation exists for parents.

Parents worry if their child has everything he or she needs for the season, and they wonder if the program provides quality equipment like helmets, shoulder pads and uniforms. Another concern for parents is always playing time, and if their child be on the field as much as expected. Moms and dads also look at the social aspect of the team – will their child fit in, make friends and feel included with the other players?

Looking past the general concerns, there’s gameday…and I fully admit that I’m a nervous wreck when either of my son’s games are about to start. A reason why I like to take a lot of pictures or volunteer with the team is that it distracts me from my nerves and helps settle me down.

One thing I won’t do at games is coach from the bleachers, something I’ve seen and heard other parents do. The most you’ll hear of my opinion is maybe a whisper to my wife, but I try to focus on watching the game. I think that’s great advice for other parents – just sit back, relax, have a beverage or snack and enjoy the game. 

If you’re finding yourself getting nervous about your child’s games, don’t feel like you’re in the wrong – you’re just being a sports parent!

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network, FOX News Headlines 24/7 and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley plays middle school football on Long Island and is a participant in the U.S. National Team program while his younger son Jared plays flag football.   Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.