The Boy has been playing basketball. So each Tuesday evening is practice and every Saturday afternoon is a game.

And I am ready to scream. Certain people need to learn that physically being there is NOT ENOUGH.

I admit that I have a tendency to be a bit of  Stage Mom. I don't push the kids into things they don't want to do. But I try to know what they are learning so they can practice at home. But I also overcompensate.

I grew up with a parent that never showed up to anything I did. Showed zero interest, unless it was baseball. He coached all my baseball and softball teams, and so I played to keep him interested in me. But I found out in High School it wasn't about me, because when I played JV Softball, he never showed to a single game. I think because of that history I feel really guilty when I miss one of the kids' events. So I never do, if it is at all humanly possible. But not only do I show up, I am fully invested in what is going on.

Apparently I am the only one that feels this away about the kids' activities. I have been biting my tongue for weeks over showing up for a game, and pulling out his iPhone. Ok, I pull mine out as well, and send out some pictures OF THE GAME now and then. And I am also typically hidden behind the camera...but I know the score and actually cheer for the team. Him? Not So Much. The last game, he was searching for new games and apps. Nothing that had anything to do with his son's basketball game. I don't even know if he watched any of it.

I want to scream, to him and other idiot, retarded selfish parents out there: Your Physical Presence is NOT ENOUGH. Be invested in your kids. Show interest in what they are doing. Watch the damned game for once. Before you know it, this sweet little boy will be grown up and YOU will have missed everything by hiding behind a computer monitor or your damned phone...