My questions to you all: is this normal? Is there a parent like this on every team? Am I crazy to think we can escape and get on a team not like this? Can I do anything? The other parents won’t say anything. Should I tell the coach? Won’t he think I’m crazy for complaining?
I can only speak for myself as a Coach, but I would definitely want someone to call this to my attention, assuming I have not been aware of it already. A vital element to any team is the Culture.
I have a strict rule on my team that there is no coaching from the sidelines, and the parents are not allowed on the pitch during trainings - they are allowed to watch from reasonable distance - and are not allowed to communicate with any player during games or training sessions. If any parent is coaching during the game, I simply remove their child and send her to the bench until the parent gets the picture.
As far as toxic parents, I absolutely don't want any toxicity on my team.
I would first recommend a private one-way conversation between you and the Toxic Mom, and kindly point out the issues. If that doesn't work, then you should come to the Coach privately and possibly with another parent or two. Once informed, I would meet with the Toxic Mom and see if we can come to an understanding.
To answer your question ("Is there a parent like this on every team?"), I would answer emphatically, No.
Save your team Culture. Be proactive but polite and respectful.
