Stars in my eyes

I don't see my kids clearly. I'll admit it. I see them as stand-outs, as angels, as stars.

When my son runs down the basketball court, I hear music. Harps. I see beams of light shooting out behind his head.

How about you? When my son makes a basket do you hear music and see bright light? I didn't think so. And no offense taken.

When OPKs (other people's kids) run down the court, I hear nothing. I see no beams of light. Oh I see great performances from OPKs, but they are human performances and full of reality.

The funny thing is, I hear the music and see the beams even when my kid misses a pass or gets a foul. Or sits on the bench.

Is there a name for this phenomenon?

Taken to its extreme, it has parents believing their kid is never wrong, never at fault and keeps them from holding kids accountable for their actions. That’s not the kind of affliction I’m talking about. I’m talking about the kind that is relatively harmless and usually only hits when we see our kids on the playing field or on stage.

I look down the row of chairs I’m sitting on and I see other parents with stars in their eyes. Or is it just me?