Sports

Whether you’re sporting two wheels or four, riding a bike is efficient, economical, healthy, ecological and fun - and just about anyone can do it.

Cycling is celebrated around the country in May during National Bike Month. And this week in Massachusetts, it’s Bay State Bike Week, culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17. In keeping with the spirit, we’ve rounded up some suggestions for area biking trails, family-friendly cycling tours, and special biking events taking place this spring.

- Updated April 2013

As a kid, I was into the arts, not sports. Unless you count gymnastics, I never played an organized sport. However, as a parent, I see a lot of value in having my kids participate in sports – I want them stay active, be a part of a team, and learn problem-solving skills. As a result, I have spent many hours washing uniforms, sitting through practices, juggling schedules, and watching my kids’ games. I’ve been involved in youth sports as a coach’s wife, and even coached soccer and t-ball myself. 

So that my kids could get the most out of their sports-playing experiences, I’ve tried to learn a few things about being a good spectator over the years. It hasn’t been easy – I am ûber-competitive and can be very intense when it comes to my kids – and I’m always a work in progress, but I do have some tips to share. Read on for a few do’s and don’ts for being a good spectator of your kids’ games (and feel free to pass along to other parents, grandparents, and coaches, too).