Collecting sports cards has been a family tradition for decades. This hobby brings generations together, bridging the gap between ages through the power of sports. Collecting trading cards is truly a family affair and now more than ever, mothers are beginning to appreciate the importance of the hobby.

We hear less and less about moms throwing away trading cards and more and more about moms getting involved in the hobby of collecting. So what is it that moms really love about collecting?

Gone are the days of disapproving moms throwing out their kids trading cards because they were a “waste.” Savvy moms today know collecting sports cards offers great opportunities for their children.

10. Learning – Moms are always looking for ways to give their kids a jump start in school and collecting cards can definitely do that. In fact, many teachers plan lessons using trading cards in the classroom for subjects like reading, math, statistics, geography, art, social studies, economics, and more.

Linda Fox, a mother and teacher from British Columbia, had this to say about cards and kids:

“I think that kids should collect cards because they do learn through a hobby they enjoy. Assembling a card collection helps them with critical thinking and organizational skills. I have seen students who struggle at math suddenly add up the stats for their favorite hockey player’s goals or saves which gives them confidence for the rest of their educational journey. By showcasing teams, players and championships, cards help youngsters see that the world is full of opportunities and careers they never knew existed.”

9. Teaching Goal Setting – Plain and simple many of the activities involved in collecting sports cards can only be accomplished by setting realistic and attainable goals. For example a child may say, “If I want to complete this set I’m going to need to mow the lawn 10 times to get enough allowance money for the packs I will need to put it together.” To put together a great collection, you need to set goals and create a plan to reach them.

8. Appreciating Possessions – Kids get so many toys for birthdays and holidays, but typically they do not treat them very well. And really, with most toys, there is not a reason to treat them nicely as they are built to be crashed, smashed and ultimately destroyed so parents have to buy more. Learning about how important the condition is on trading cards and how to properly care for their cards is a huge life lesson to children about the importance of appreciating their possessions and keeping them in good shape.

7. Getting a Break from the Online World – As most any mother would agree, this type of interaction with kids:

Is much better than this type of interaction with kids:

Heather Meade, who is pictured above, is a hockey mom from Kansas who had this to say about encouraging her son to collect cards:

“Kids’ lives today are so focused on hand held devices so why not encourage your children to wrap their hands around a pack of trading cards instead! Collecting cards has taught our son so many things, like math skills by comparing player statistics and learning basic economics by understanding the value of cards. The excitement and anticipation that our son gets when opening a new pack of cards is priceless…. Especially when he pulls a Blackhawks card!”

A magical moment for Heather Meade occurred when we surprised her son with a special pack of hockey cards! Check out how excited he was!

6. Trading – Is trading really something that is that important a skill to be learned with trading cards? Well you would be surprised to hear what one financial entrepreneur had to say about the role trading cards had in his development. Plain and simple, trading allows youngsters the opportunity to learn negotiating skills and how to make a fair trade which is a skill they will use and further develop their entire life.

5. Interacting with Special Needs Children – While there haven’t been any studies done on the benefits of trading cards being used with special needs children, we have profiled parents who have children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Down Syndrome who have reported amazing stories about how they interact with their kids through trading cards.

The mother of this young man shared with us:

“It’s the hands-on with the visual and verbal that gets his brain ticking. Once he saw the Stanley Cup in person and was able to touch it, that’s when he really started paying attention to the sport. These cards are another piece in the NHL puzzle for my son. It helps him bring it all together.”

4. Rewarding Children – Potty pops definitely work when getting a two-year-old to use the toilet, but how do you get a six-year-old to clean his room or a 10-year-old to mow the lawn? Some mothers continue to use sugary treats to entice their kids, but an option that will get you less trips to the dentist and help you have a less hyperactive child is using packs of cards as a reward.

3. Enjoying a Quiet Activity – After a long and active day with the kids, the last thing most mothers want when everyone is back home is a crazy and rambunctious house. Organizing and collecting trading cards is a calm and noiseless hobby that gives most parents something the truly appreciate, a little peace and quiet.

2. Enjoying the Hobby on Any Budget – The great thing about collecting sports cards is that there are products for every level of collector on every budget. In fact, Upper Deck has packs available for as little as 99 cents during the course of the season. And even if some packs seem out of a kid’s price range, collecting single trading cards can be a less expensive option to score cards of their favorite players and teams.

1. Creating Bonds and Memories that will last a Lifetime – Fans often share with us that there are special bonds that are created when collecting cards with their parents. Now traditionally these stories involve fathers bonding with their sons and daughters, but with more and more hockey moms and mothers involved in sports, we are excited to hear new stories of how mothers are creating these special memories with their kids.

Incredible Mother/Son Moment!!!

Do you have a special story or memory of collecting cards with your mom or as a mother who shares the hobby with your kids? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below, post a photo on Pinterest or email us! Thanks to all the mothers who have invited Upper Deck into your homes and into the hearts of your children!