By Stefanie Mullen
Ooph.com

I have seen some things on the sidelines over the years that would give you nightmares. Casts being sawed off, coaches going to blows, parents screaming obscenities at the other teams fans. U.G.L.Y. We have all gotten way too emotionally involved in our kids sports. We have forgotten that it's about the the kids and the lessons, the journey if you will, not the end point.

I have an 18-year-old now. He is playing D1 lacrosse for an East Coast college, and I couldn't be prouder of him. My 16-year-old is committed to a college on the East Coast to play as well in 2015. One thing I know for sure is this. They did it. Not us. No amount of screaming, calling coaches, forcing practices would have mattered if they didn't want it. It was our goal to be supportive, try and embarrass them as little as possible and give them the tools they needed to achieve their dreams. But they had to fight for those dreams. Not us.

My point here is, it's about them. Get out of their way, enjoy the process, uncoil a bit. Someday far too soon this whole sports thing will be over and you will be begging them to come home for Thanksgiving. TRUST. ME.

Here are 10 Things Parents of Athletes Should Know:

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know Slideshow

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know

1. It's not about you, it's about them. Do not live your own sports dreams through your kids. It's their turn now. Let them make their own choices, both good and bad.

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know

2. Never talk to a coach about your child's play time after a game. Actually you never should. You should have your kid do that. That said, if you just can't help yourself, send an email the next day and ask for some phone time.

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know

3. NEVER yell at referees. They are trying. How would you like it if someone came to your job and screamed at you? Not. So. Much. If you have a real issue, file a grievance the next day.

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know

4. Do NOT coach your kid from the sideline. Your job is to be a cheerleader, not a coach. If you wanted to coach, you should have volunteered.

What Parents Of Athletes Need To Know

5. It is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY you are raising a professional athlete. I promise you. Relax, let them have a good time and learn the lessons they are supposed to be learning in sports.

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For the complete list of the 10 Things Parents Of Athletes Need To Know, go to Ooph.com.

-- Stefanie Mullen is co-author of Chicken Soup for the Girlfriend's Soul and owner and founder of Ooph.com, a well-known resource for parents of tweens and teens. Follow her on Twitter @ooph, on Facebook and Google+.

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