Confession: I’ve never had much use for cheerleaders.

Anything that smacks of efforts to whip up the crowd has always earned an instinctive disdain. Maybe I have emotional issues. Whatever.

Last week, however, I had the privilege of sitting next to a mother who was, in a very genuine sense, a cheerleader for her children. As a Dad, I was fascinated and richly encouraged.

Getting onto the flight to Chicago, I was preceded by a Mom shepherding her two young boys onto the jetway. Turns out she was stuck next to me while her boys were across the aisle (same row). When you’re a parent, you immediately notice well-behaved kids. I noticed.

I also couldn’t help noticing the bright and cheerful disposition of their mother. All thoughts of perusing the reading material I had stashed away for the flight soon disappeared as we were immersed in conversation the entire way to the Windy City.

This radiant and enthusiastic lady was an authentic cheerleader for her kids. Her actions and disposition toward them were like a breath of fresh seaside air. She loved her husband, her boys, and her role as a Mom. When I told her my wife and I had 5 boys, she make a very sincere cheerleader-like gesture and exclaimed, “You rock!!!”

Little did I realize how much I needed that simple cheer!

In the row ahead of us was a mother having a very difficult time controlling her child. The contrast was unmistakable.

I need to be a better cheerleader, a more encouraging coach, a teammate out on the field with my boys.

Dads can learn an awful lot about being better Dads…from Moms. And maybe we all need a little cheering on to rock it better!

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