Happy Mother’s Day, Esports Moms!
by Olivia Schaller--Updated
For Mother’s Day 2020, we want to recognize some of the most powerful influencers in esports…. the esports Moms.
May 10, 2020 – Nerd Street Gamers took to social media this week to find some of the best Moms in gaming. We received an overwhelming response, and asked the Moms to talk about all things esports – from supporting their kids, to the opportunities they’ve seen come from the industry.
Here’s who they are, and what they had to say about being an esports Mom.
@Liz_Lombardo
Mom of @zacklombardo
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
One of the things I love about Zack’s journey in esports is his exposure to different cultures, languages and countries. He’s gotten to see countries that many would never get to experience. He’s learned all about different cultures through fellow players and experience many different types of cuisine. It has made him confident that he can travel the world and explore new sights to see.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
I think my favorite part about esports is the growing variety of games. There are so many games to watch from League of Legends to Super Smash Brothers to Overwatch and Rocket League, that anyone can find an esport that they would like to watch.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
On a personal side – definitely watching Zack achieve his goals and dreams. On a Liz note – It has to be getting to interact with so many of the people in the esports community. I’ve made some great friends within this community. Also, I love all my “adopted sons” that I’ve grown to love from Zack’s teams.
Do you ever play with your kid?
Definitely not Overwatch! I get motion sick when I play it. Although I have to say that Zack has shown me how to play every Hero. But Zack and I do play some games. We play Golf It and we play Animal Crossing together.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I would definitely tell them to read everything they can find about esports. Learn what the business side is about. Read up on some of the success stories in the industry. If you’re on Twitter, reach out to some esports parents. We are all more than happy to help. Most important – Don’t listen to anyone that says “It’s just a game”. They’re not informed enough to give you valuable insight.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
It’s important for parents to support their kids in what they’re passionate about. It’s our job. To me whether it had been a Collegiate Soccer career or a streaming career or a Professional Gaming career, didn’t matter. I would back Zack in anything he chose to do. Kids learn to work hard and strive to achieve their goals. Having parents that provide support in what they’re passionate about just makes achieving their goals even more rewarding.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
Esports is growing by leaps and bounds. A few years ago I would have said there was only League of Legends. That’s not the case anymore. We’re seeing the industry grow every day.
I also love that esports is earning respect. High Schools and Colleges are accepting of esports and are including them in their extra curricular offerings. It’s great to see colleges that offer scholarships and treat esports as a varsity sport.
I hope to see more parents involved with their children. I hope that by being as active as some of us are, more parents of up and coming gamers will come into the “esports parent” group. I truly think it’s happening.
@kirstimasalin
Mom of @LiNkzrOW
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
Positive impact, who could guess that a boy from a little island in front of Helsinki, would travel to the other side of the world and make living there. I think to Jiri it has been the courage to do all of that and I love how he is with his fans, its like natural part of him.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
Community, how fans are supporting their favourite player and with Outlaws I see that strong support and I think it is amazing. Of course homestand weekends, I saw videos and photos of Houston homestand, I really really wish I could be there.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
Esports moms are something I would never imagine. We have our own group, I feel like I know my team moms, even just through internet and I’m really waiting for to meet them a live. I hope I don’t embarrass my kid in twitter, but oh well that is a moms job too 😀 Im just happy that he is doing something that he loves. I could go on with this many hours 😛
Do you ever play with your kid?
We had from PS2 at home so yes, we have played together, but not anymore. I don’t play games like ow, but I love playing. Now I have Tombraider going on, no-one is too old to play and have fun!
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
Ah, this is very hard question. I have been told, that I haven’t been so supportive all the time. In my family, there is a line hard working people, so esport was something I didn’t understand. Jiri’s father was more understanding than I. I really really didn’t understand that someone would pay if he plays, so I didn’t believe at first. And all the pressure from other parents that we shouldn’t let him play so much, that can’t be good for him. I think Jiri had all that pressure too with him. But it is okey to change your mind 😀 I don’t have any advices, life turns like is its gonna be with it ups and downs. But it is okay to let your child to try and support him/her because they are gonna need your support. There are always people who are mean and want you to loose, so its no easy way.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
Hmmm, in 10 years? Its gonna grow, schools for esports, and parents, you are gonna have more easier route than I had with my doubts.
@Interromom
Mom of @INTERRO
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
Parker has made so many close friends and met so many wonderful people as a result of being involved with the community. He has also had the opportunity to travel to places all around the world when attending events, that he would not likely have seen otherwise. He’s made memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
The excitement of watching all those involved putting everything they have into it – the casters breaking down the strategies as well as hyping up the excitement, the determination and dedication of the players demonstrating their abundance of skills during each game, and all the minute details, planning and development that go into arranging the overwhelmingly impressive venues and special events.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
I love watching and listening to Parker cast and seeing how respected and appreciated he is by his peers in the community. It gives me such pride as well as comfort to see how well he is able to do his job and how happy and fulfilled he is in such an exciting, new career.
Do you ever play with your kid?
Yes, there are a few games we used to play together fairly often, but most of the ones he prefers now are well beyond my skill level.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it? Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
I believe getting an education should be top priority. Only a small amount of people can actually make a successful career in the esports industry and, like in mainstream sports, there needs to be talent and not just desire. If the person is willing to put in the effort and time required and is determined to make a career out of it, then I think they owe it to themselves to follow it through and see where it leads. However, I think they should finish school while they devote all their spare time to practicing and improving.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if esports becomes as well known and revered as mainstream sports is now. The viewership is limited as it can only be seen online, mainly through apps like Twitch or YouTube at the moment, but once it is more easily accessible I believe people will be more aware of it and as a result will become more interested and involved.
@FlyNmom1
Mom of @Goldenglue
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
He has made wonderful friends, become very disciplined, developed amazing mental strength, has healthy routines and a lifestyle thanks to guidance from coaches, team psychologists, owners, managers, and friends.
What’s your favorite part about being an esports mom?
Favorite part is meeting his friends and hanging with them. Getting to watch him play on stage. Getting to meet other gaming parents and share our experiences, joys, and worries.
Do you ever play with your kid?
I do not have the skill to play League of Legends, but we do play Toontown together, lol.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
My advice is support their child to pursue their passion. I feel it is a waste of time, energy, and money to try and force anyone to go a direction that goes against their passion. Give that support 100%, but both agree that one day, they will need to have a plan B. No matter how successful they are.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
Everyone needs support, and to have the support of your closest family and friends is very powerful. And the lack of a parent’s support can be devastating. I have seen it first hand with teammates of my son. Even one, years ago, asked if I would talk to his mother, to help her warm up to Esports. It worked. His quality of play went up, and he continues to be a LCS player.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
10 years from now I see Esports being one of the most valuable, influential, successful sports operations. Games will evolve or change, but just looking at how Covid 19 shut down everything, but the Esports were already set up for online distribution. It took the LCS a week or 2 to get everything switched over, but then even ESPN was broadcasting the Spring Finals. Fan setting is best, for sure, but have this online format as a safety valve is great for the viability of Esports in these wild year of 2020. Pictures are from League Finals 2019 Paris and Semi-Finals Madrid.
@imalpn71
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I would say the biggest impact I have seen for him would be how much he matured. He learned how to deal with adversity, advocate for himself, and communicate with coaches, teammates and fans from all around the world.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
The community. The fans. I feel like I have a huge extended family.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
Watching my child live out his dream. As well as being able to meet and encourage other kids to dream big.
Do you ever play with your kid?
When he was younger we would occasionally play wii together. I am now getting back to playing some games so maybe in the future we will play some together.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I would tell them to do some research on esports and see the possibilities. I was hesitant when first being told he was being signed. I spent time looking into the scene and speaking with the owner of the org. I then had to go though a process of letting go of MY plans for him (high school graduation and then college) and accepting his goal (with an agreement that he finished high school). I have not regretted any decision we made in letting him go.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
I would say, to me, supporting your child to follow their dreams is so important whether it is esports or something else. Showing support keeps lines of communication open and gives the parent the room to continue to guide the child. I feel like parents that question if they should support an esports journey might be surprised at how close they will get to their child when they show acceptance and support of the possibility of a career in gaming.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I have seen such growth in esports in the last 3-4 years. I imagine esports will continue to become more accepted and will find they place alongside traditional sports.
@ShellieAnnCruz
Mom of @danteh
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
Dante has definitely grown so much since the beginning his professional esports career. He has become more outgoing, confident and has learned amazing communication skills. I’m incredibly proud of the man he has become.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
The games of course!! The Homestands are so much fun and are very much missed right now.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
When the casters and the desk talk so highly of Dante, when the fans cheer and chant his name, and seeing him shine on stage is the absolute most heart warming feeling a parent can feel. He is doing what truly makes him happy, and has been his dream since he was a little boy, it fills my heart with so much love and happiness.
Do you ever play with your kid? Nope.
Not since he got better than me (pretty much his entire life.)
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
To allow your child to follow his/her dreams and to reach for the stars. Allow them to shine! Reach out to other parents that have been in the same boat. I’m almost always available and would love to help new parents to esports feel more comfortable and help them understand it all.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
Honestly, I believe a parent should support any dream their kid has. My son may not live at home anymore, and living his own life, but now I can call him one of my best friends. And besides that, esports is so much fun!!!!
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
Mainstream, I believe it will grow and continue to grow.
@ManyDustyBooks
Mom of @StratusEclipse
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I think the most positive impact esports has had on my son is that it taught him to work hard for what he wants and to keep fighting for his dreams. Consistency in practice, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and persistence despite the naysayers and armchair analysts. He has learned to have the strength to get back up from each failure, learn from it, dust himself off and keep pushing forward. Most importantly he has learned to trust in, and to think for, himself in a fast-paced often self-centered world.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
My favorite part about esports is absolutely the fans! Esports attracts such amazingly talented and caring people. I’m honored to be a part of this community and want to thank you all for coming together to support the players and teams.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
My favorite part of being an esports mom is cheering for my son! Esports is just as exciting as any other sport to me. I’ll be the one jumping and cheering the loudest in the crowd… just ask anyone who has sat next to me during a game!
Do you ever play with your kid?
When my kids were growing up, I used to play a lot of video games with them. We would have family game night on the wii and have a blast together. Video games were always a way for us to have fun and connect as a family. I was never any good, but it was still fun! Ethan is much busier now, but he and his brothers still try to make time to connect and play together.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
If your child is passionate about esports, get involved. Ask them to teach you about it. Ask them what their favorite games, players, and teams are. Sit down and watch some professional games with them. Take them to competitions or conventions. It’s just like any other passion your kids have, asking about it and showing interest shows that you care.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
I think it’s important to support your child’s dreams no matter what they want to do. Guide them, show them how to be consistent in practice and persistent in the pursuit of their goals. Teach them how to schedule schoolwork around large blocks of practice time so that they can accomplish all the practice goals that are important to them and still maintain good school grades.
Don’t make the mistake of confusing your own goals and dreams with theirs. Put your own bias aside and truly listen to their dreams, then become a guide and a partner. If esports is their dream, learn everything you can about esports. Read articles, search for tournaments, go to conventions and talk to people working in the industry, contact parents of professionals or the professionals themselves. Help your child to push obstacles aside, clear a path, and understand what necessary steps are on the road to achieving their dream. No one has ever achieved anything great by themselves.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I see unlimited potential for the esports industry. In 10 years, I could easily see esports surpassing many traditional sports in terms of viewership and popularity. The biggest factor that separates esports from traditional sports is the accessibility to players and teams. Players have the ability to stream and use social media and YouTube content to interact with their fans. This creates a loyal and enthusiastic fan base that can interact with each other and create lasting friendships that all revolve around the world of esports.
It is a truly unique, special, and ever growing community. In 10 years, I also see the esports industry growing in terms of Human Resources, player unions, and deep knowledge of how to support and mentor talented young players. Right now, the support systems that exist in other professional sports are largely nonexistent in esports. Growth in these terms has to exist as a foundation in order to build a lasting, healthy, and stable environment to support this rapidly growing industry.
@_MamaNotE
Mom of @notevenbleu
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I love seeing NotE do interviews. He used to be shy but I’ve learned he’s good at talking about esports. For his older brother, I’ve learned that it is a great way to maintain friendships.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
It WAS the travel.
Do you ever play with your kid?
NotE’s brother has tried to ‘coach’ me a few times on several different games. It’s fun and I’m very bad. I think he does it just for the laughs (and I’m ok with that).
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I’d say the same as for any other interest a kid could have whether it be sports or music or hobbies. If you want to spend time with your kid and keep an open line of communication with them, you need to take the time to learn about their interests. This might mean supporting them in some way with rides or help, or it might just mean listening to them talk about it and what it means to them. Kids will teach their parents if they are open to it. There are also a lot of resources online to learn about every esport. And as you’re seeing, a lot of parents who are interested in talking about it!
@MommaBKN
Mom of @BKN_R6
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
The positive impact has to be that Jordan has found his dream job. He started playing R6 Seige and then became a coach for EG. He moved on from that team to be a coach for the new organization Dark Zero. He just recently retired as coach and is now the Brand Coordinator for Dark Zero!
What’s your favorite part about esports?
My favorite part and most stressful part of Esports hast to be watching his team compete at land events or on Twitch.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
Being an Esports Mom has made me realize there are so many things, not just the basics I was brought up with that can make your child happy ❤
Do you ever play with your kid?
No I never played R6 with Jordan but we did play Mario Kart lol!
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
My advice to parents is to have an open mind about Esports, give it a chance, get involved with your child. Don’t compare what your child is doing to someone else’s.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
It’s so important for a parent to support their child in anything they do, but because Esports is so new it’s not an easy journey and for that reason they really do need you to support them even more.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I have seen for R6 Seige alone in a few years moving to a Tier 1…my guess is it will be something your child wants to do when they grow up ❤
My son is Jordan Soojian. He is 30 years old and absolutely loves his job! I’m so happy for him and I love Esports for that reason.
@ronipence
Mom of @Forceboink
What’s your favorite part about esports?
The camaraderie and sense of family among the players, and the global reach of the game.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
The friendships I have made with other players’ parents and people associated with the league.
Do you ever play with your kid?
No, I know better.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
Esports is not “sitting in front of a computer, isolated”. Gaming is socialization with like-minded others. Just as parents use Facebook to communicate friends, your kids use Twitch.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
The role of a parent is teach your child to morals and values, and then to trust that you have done your job right and to let your child make his/her own decisions. Just as we parents chose our own journeys, our kids get to choose their own paths.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
A broader range of competitive leagues, a much larger following, and NCAA Football video game will be back as a league.
@ARJCoop
Mom of @BroCanadian
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I’ve found the boys have gotten confidence, friendships and for Troy a really terrific career.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
I like sports, to me Esports are no different, the competition, the excitement it’s fun.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
I suppose how proud I am of the success that Troy has found doing something he loves. I really enjoy meeting the fans at events, I always hang around when they do signings my favourite part is those interactions. Always makes me smile when the kids say something nice about my son.
Do you ever play with your kid?
I tried to play a few games once but I was dreadful and honestly I don’t need to play, I love that the boys have something unique that is theirs alone, I’m just a fan.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I think sometimes parents or anyone can be afraid of change or what they don’t understand. To me if a child is passionate about something and it makes them happy how can you not support it? People will allow children to focus 100% on so many other things, why is this any different.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
Being a parent is hard, supporting your children and understanding their dreams can sometimes conflict with your own beliefs. I think you have to let kids make their own choices at a certain age, everyone should have a chance to succeed or fail, why would you stop that. As long as they are healthy and sharing with you that’s the most important I think.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I believe Esports will be just as popular as any professional sport or entertainment, it has grown so much in the last 10, years I can’t see it stopping. The fact that you can support and watch virtually will only make it more accessible after the last few months and they changes we’ve seen since Covid I think Esports will be on top soon.
@MamaKuavo
Mom of @Kuavo
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I have seen my son become more independent and confident person. And it has help in his transition to manhood.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
I get to see my son to complete at a higher level gaming and living his dream.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
Don’t knock until you know the full experience. I feel like it’s a great confidence builder.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
I would say because their kids are most important. And kids need guidance and presence of parents support to reach their maximum potential.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
Over the top. I’ve seen where it’s being offered as a sport in some schools. Kids can actually get scholarships from gaming that’s amazing.
@smvseastar
Mom of @Hydration
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
Esports has given JP many good friends and the best memories of his life. It has also given him the opportunity to be financially independent while doing what he loves doing. Few are fortunate to be paid to do what they love!
What’s your favorite part about esports?
I find the Overwatch communities very inclusive. I also love the fact that teams play in front of their fans in physical spaces (arenas and homestands – before the Coronavirus of course). It is very fun and energetic! I love it!
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
I have met many incredible people in this industry. My son’s fans are very supportive and sweet to me. Additionally I’ve became good friends with other Overwatch moms and fathers and it’s always fun to meet them at gaming events!
Do you ever play with your kid?
No. Unfortunately I didn’t learn to play any video games although that certainly hasn’t dampened my interest, I’m an avid fan!
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
First of all, get to know your child, their dreams, talents and plans to make their dreams a reality. Help them and give them encouragement in all possibilities. Secondly, do not judge their aspirations based only on your knowledge.
Have conversations, read, and get informed. Have an open mind to understand the new trends. The world is changing rapidly and we need to update ourselves to understand the changes. And last, get involved and support your child by showing them how much you care and love them!
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
The esports industry is growing at a very fast pace. Technology, another important ally to electronic gaming, is also advancing quickly. So, I imagine esports being very different from what we know now and much bigger than traditional sports.
@momsilly702
Mom of @Silly702
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
Think it’s always good to have a goal , something you are passionate about in your life. Esports has provided an amazing future for Justin.
What’s your favorite part about esports?
The live events. 🙁
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
Favorite part of being an esports mom? Being part of the community. I have friendships with quite a few of the moms. We can all relate to what our kids go through.
Do you ever play with your kid?
I use to play with Justin all the time when he was little. Crash bandicoot use to be our game. Face with tears of joy, then he got into the shooting games and his dad started playing with him.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I would encourage all parents to get behind their kids and their dreams, no matter how crazy or out there it seems to You. I feel like kids can do anything with love and support from their parents.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years esports will be like NFL. It’s come a long way from Justin’s first event sponsored by us with a very minimal prize pool.
@FTSKZE
Mom of @Alphama_R6
What positive impact have you seen esports have on your kid?
I think that one of the first positive impact is, for a French young boy, that it helped him a lot to improve his English, and gave him a great motivation to go on learning this foreign language at school… (but i guess this won’t be a positive impact for American kids!!!).
Another positive impact is that it gave him responsibilities :
- The game he plays is a collective game which can’t be well played without good teamplay : so it is important to take care about his team mates, and not to play individually : as he was younger than the others he had to develop maturity, even if he was already very mature..
- He represents the team on social networks and in competitions
- He is a pattern for young kids who dream to live what he lives
- Playing esports, made him develop his concentration, and he learned to be confident, in him and in his teammates
- He realized his dream, he travelled in several countries (Japan, USA, Sweden, Spain, Italy) we couldn’t offer him so many journeys!!!
- He also learned many things about accounts, laws and all administrative papers, that’s a bit complicated in France all the more than he is young.
- Esports give him so many experiences, that will be very useful when he stops esport to find another job (in several years!!!!)
What’s your favorite part about esports?
My favorite part about esports is to see competitions on stage, with the people supporting their teams; as you can see it in many sports.
Favorite part about being an esports mom?
To be so proud of our son!!! Still a teenager when he crossed on his own the ocean to make his dream go on, and joined eUnited. And to meet other parents during the competition (we are several French and Belgian mothers following our sons on Rainbow Six Siege) or on the chat on Twitch.
Do you ever play with your kid?
I used to play with him when he was a child (sometimes he needed some help to go to the next level) but very soon he didn’t need my help anymore!!! I can’t play video games anymore because I’ve got problems with my shoulders and fingers, but otherwise i think i’d like to play with him, as we used to play soccer and table tennis when he was a child.
What advice would you give to parents who don’t understand esports, but their child is very passionate about it?
I think the most important think is to share moments with their child, trying to understand: the games, why is it so fun for their children, to try to play with them, and to put some limits according to their age: and you decrease the limits when he grow.
It’s important that parents may talk with their children, parents can be afraid their children to become dependent because unfortunately it sometimes happens. But, their children have also the responsibility to explain to their parents why it is important for them to play, why they want to do this job.
We know that gamer is not a job you can do all your life, that’s why parents have to be aware that their children need to develop other knowledges and abilities. We know that Leo has a lot of qualities which will help him to find another job when his gamer job stops.
Why is it important for parents to support their kid’s esports journey?
It is very important because esport is competition, so there is a winner and lots of losers, you can’t always win, and when your team doesn’t have good results you can be kicked of the team, and it’s very important for parents to be there: to listen to their child, and also to help. For example if your child leaves in a gaming house and if he is kicked it ‘is important you can have a room in your house or flat for him!!!
Of course sharing victories is wonderful, I am very lucky because twice I saw my son winning a great French competition on stage, last one was in Paris in October 2019, when he and his team won the French League… So much joy shared !!! Wonderful memories !!!
But it is much more important to be there and support our child, in the defeats… Happily our love for him doesn’t depend on his results, whatever happens, we’ll always be there supporting him, even if for now we are geographically far away from him.
Where do you see esports in 10 years?
I think that esports will have a very great development: many players in the world, and money is arriving: this will help people to become pro gamers, perhaps olympic esport games !!! I’d like to, because it’s really a sport!!!
