cheerleading
[email protected]
my daughter who is normally NOT into anything pink, thinks princess are lame
because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little feminist recently
asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and wear the
uniform and stuff) I told her yes because I really believe she should be able to
try out whatever she is interested in and decide on her own what she thinks
about it but I am FREAKING OUT INSIDE because of the negative feelings I have
about cheerleading and cheerleaders especially these days when they make such
sexually inappropriate gestures in their routines! It has also always
bothered me that they are on the sidelines cheering (and seducing) instead of
playing the sport. In professional sports they are revered as athletic show-girls
and regularly are in centerfold calendars. In schools they are talked about
as "the girls you want to land." On the other hand, cheerleading requires a
TREMENDOUS amount of dedication, athleticism, commitment, and ability. And
when I strip down all the "ick" factors, it looks like a ton of fun. The outfit
TRULY bothers me and just looks plain old whore-ish, blught! But again, when
I think about WHY I feel that way it is because of the stereotypes. I don't
look at tennis players and think "little slut" and those outfits look almost
exactly the same. I am getting major s--t for this from my feminist friends
and mom. Despite that I still think the best thing is to just say "go for it"
and see what happens. She's only 7 and she likes it because it looks fun and
the outfit is pretty and she likes playing with little girls her same age.
She isn't doing it to get a date or anything, LOL.
My question is, do I stay quiet about all the concerns I have (my gut tells
me yes) or do I explain how cheerleaders are perceived in our culture (my mom
tells me yes). How I feel about it is, maybe the reputation of cheerleaders
is in the gutter now but why can't my daughter be the one to change that,
rather than avoid the sport? I am just plain old lying to myself and introducing
something to her that will be a bad influence?
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little feminist recently
asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and wear the
uniform and stuff) I told her yes because I really believe she should be able to
try out whatever she is interested in and decide on her own what she thinks
about it but I am FREAKING OUT INSIDE because of the negative feelings I have
about cheerleading and cheerleaders especially these days when they make such
sexually inappropriate gestures in their routines! It has also always
bothered me that they are on the sidelines cheering (and seducing) instead of
playing the sport. In professional sports they are revered as athletic show-girls
and regularly are in centerfold calendars. In schools they are talked about
as "the girls you want to land." On the other hand, cheerleading requires a
TREMENDOUS amount of dedication, athleticism, commitment, and ability. And
when I strip down all the "ick" factors, it looks like a ton of fun. The outfit
TRULY bothers me and just looks plain old whore-ish, blught! But again, when
I think about WHY I feel that way it is because of the stereotypes. I don't
look at tennis players and think "little slut" and those outfits look almost
exactly the same. I am getting major s--t for this from my feminist friends
and mom. Despite that I still think the best thing is to just say "go for it"
and see what happens. She's only 7 and she likes it because it looks fun and
the outfit is pretty and she likes playing with little girls her same age.
She isn't doing it to get a date or anything, LOL.
My question is, do I stay quiet about all the concerns I have (my gut tells
me yes) or do I explain how cheerleaders are perceived in our culture (my mom
tells me yes). How I feel about it is, maybe the reputation of cheerleaders
is in the gutter now but why can't my daughter be the one to change that,
rather than avoid the sport? I am just plain old lying to myself and introducing
something to her that will be a bad influence?
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Karen
On 10/01/07, singdoula@... <singdoula@...> wrote:
being. My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.
I also share the same issues with cheerleading that you outlined and I
associate cheerleading with 'bimbo' mentality. I can see that it would be
fun and athletic but its more the where can it lead to besides standing
somewhere and being the *appetizer* for a sports match of some sort. My
sister did cheerleading for our local football club and I remember the
comments that were made by the *yobs* in the audience, pretty yuk stuff. I
also realise my daughter who is 9 is a long way from doing professional sort
of stuff but I just don't like the whole makeup, leotard or short skirt,
thrusting, leg spreading deal and spending hours on hair-do's.
Sorry, no helpful advice here, more a TON of baggage for the list to sort
through LOL.
Karen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>We have had a similar situation which has quietly died down for the time
>
>
> Adriana wrote: my daughter who is normally NOT into anything pink, thinks
> princess are lame
> because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little feminist
> recently
> asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and wear the
> uniform and stuff)
being. My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.
I also share the same issues with cheerleading that you outlined and I
associate cheerleading with 'bimbo' mentality. I can see that it would be
fun and athletic but its more the where can it lead to besides standing
somewhere and being the *appetizer* for a sports match of some sort. My
sister did cheerleading for our local football club and I remember the
comments that were made by the *yobs* in the audience, pretty yuk stuff. I
also realise my daughter who is 9 is a long way from doing professional sort
of stuff but I just don't like the whole makeup, leotard or short skirt,
thrusting, leg spreading deal and spending hours on hair-do's.
Sorry, no helpful advice here, more a TON of baggage for the list to sort
through LOL.
Karen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Christy Mahoney
Wow! That's a lot of negativity. I certainly wouldn't put all that
on my young daughter.
I spent much of my young life cheerleading, and I loved it. My
family was into sports, and my dad did coaching and refereeing, so I
was around that a lot. I started at a very young age as a sort of
mascot, cheering alongside my older sisters.
When I first met my husband, I was just out of high school, and let
me tell you, he was shocked when I told him I had been a
cheerleader. And I was shocked when he told me that the
cheerleaders at his school were viewed as "sluts" and that none of
them were nice at all. It wasn't that way at my school. In fact, I
never had a boyfriend at all during my high school years.
Cheerleading has become more and more a sport in its own right over
the years, and there are competitions and such. Do most people
really see cheerleaders in such a negative way? Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these, as well as adding to the atmosphere of games by getting
the crowd more involved and giving the fans something else to watch
during timeouts or breaks.
I haven't seen the outfit, but like you said, it is not much
different than a tennis outfit. Gymnasts generally wear leotards.
Swimmers wear swimsuits.
I would not tell your daughter how cheerleaders are viewed because
not everyone feels this way. As far as your mother and friends, do
they really think that ALL cheerleaders are a certain way, or does
it just bother them that some people might think your daughter is a
certain way because she is a cheerleader? A lot of people have
certain ideas about homeschoolers too, but that doesn't make them
true.
Like you said, your daughter thinks it looks fun. Why not let her
try it out? If it isn't fun, she won't want to do it anymore,
right?
-Christy M.
on my young daughter.
I spent much of my young life cheerleading, and I loved it. My
family was into sports, and my dad did coaching and refereeing, so I
was around that a lot. I started at a very young age as a sort of
mascot, cheering alongside my older sisters.
When I first met my husband, I was just out of high school, and let
me tell you, he was shocked when I told him I had been a
cheerleader. And I was shocked when he told me that the
cheerleaders at his school were viewed as "sluts" and that none of
them were nice at all. It wasn't that way at my school. In fact, I
never had a boyfriend at all during my high school years.
Cheerleading has become more and more a sport in its own right over
the years, and there are competitions and such. Do most people
really see cheerleaders in such a negative way? Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these, as well as adding to the atmosphere of games by getting
the crowd more involved and giving the fans something else to watch
during timeouts or breaks.
I haven't seen the outfit, but like you said, it is not much
different than a tennis outfit. Gymnasts generally wear leotards.
Swimmers wear swimsuits.
I would not tell your daughter how cheerleaders are viewed because
not everyone feels this way. As far as your mother and friends, do
they really think that ALL cheerleaders are a certain way, or does
it just bother them that some people might think your daughter is a
certain way because she is a cheerleader? A lot of people have
certain ideas about homeschoolers too, but that doesn't make them
true.
Like you said, your daughter thinks it looks fun. Why not let her
try it out? If it isn't fun, she won't want to do it anymore,
right?
-Christy M.
--- In [email protected], singdoula@... wrote:
>
>
>
> my daughter who is normally NOT into anything pink, thinks
princess are lame
> because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little
feminist recently
> asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and
wear the
> uniform and stuff) I told her yes because I really believe she
should be able to
> try out whatever she is interested in and decide on her own what
she thinks
> about it but I am FREAKING OUT INSIDE because of the negative
feelings I have
> about cheerleading and cheerleaders especially these days when
they make such
> sexually inappropriate gestures in their routines! It has also
always
> bothered me that they are on the sidelines cheering (and
seducing) instead of
> playing the sport. In professional sports they are revered as
athletic show-girls
> and regularly are in centerfold calendars. In schools they are
talked about
> as "the girls you want to land." On the other hand, cheerleading
requires a
> TREMENDOUS amount of dedication, athleticism, commitment, and
ability. And
> when I strip down all the "ick" factors, it looks like a ton of
fun. The outfit
> TRULY bothers me and just looks plain old whore-ish, blught! But
again, when
> I think about WHY I feel that way it is because of the
stereotypes. I don't
> look at tennis players and think "little slut" and those outfits
look almost
> exactly the same. I am getting major s--t for this from my
feminist friends
> and mom. Despite that I still think the best thing is to just
say "go for it"
> and see what happens. She's only 7 and she likes it because it
looks fun and
> the outfit is pretty and she likes playing with little girls her
same age.
> She isn't doing it to get a date or anything, LOL.
>
> My question is, do I stay quiet about all the concerns I have (my
gut tells
> me yes) or do I explain how cheerleaders are perceived in our
culture (my mom
> tells me yes). How I feel about it is, maybe the reputation of
cheerleaders
> is in the gutter now but why can't my daughter be the one to
change that,
> rather than avoid the sport? I am just plain old lying to myself
and introducing
> something to her that will be a bad influence?
>
> Adriana
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/9/2007 9:02:58 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
unschooling1@... writes:
Cheerleading has become more and more a sport in its own right over
the years, and there are competitions and such. Do most people
really see cheerleaders in such a negative way? Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these, as well as adding to the atmosphere of games by getting
the crowd more involved and giving the fans something else to watch
during timeouts or breaks.
Sadly, the people I know see them as "dressed strippers." Yet I sometimes
flip through ESPN and see the competitions they have and go "WHOA!" over how
incredibly athletic and graceful these girls have to be. I truly appreciate
your writing about this; my daughter is a little bit out of shape right now and
hasn't been very phsyical. I am THRILLED that she wants to do something like
this and am going to do my best to keep anyone with a negative opinion about
it away from her!!!
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
unschooling1@... writes:
Cheerleading has become more and more a sport in its own right over
the years, and there are competitions and such. Do most people
really see cheerleaders in such a negative way? Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these, as well as adding to the atmosphere of games by getting
the crowd more involved and giving the fans something else to watch
during timeouts or breaks.
Sadly, the people I know see them as "dressed strippers." Yet I sometimes
flip through ESPN and see the competitions they have and go "WHOA!" over how
incredibly athletic and graceful these girls have to be. I truly appreciate
your writing about this; my daughter is a little bit out of shape right now and
hasn't been very phsyical. I am THRILLED that she wants to do something like
this and am going to do my best to keep anyone with a negative opinion about
it away from her!!!
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/9/2007 10:07:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
kldickson@... writes:
I also share the same issues with cheerleading that you outlined and I
associate cheerleading with 'bimbo' mentality. I can see that it would be
fun and athletic but its more the where can it lead to besides standing
somewhere and being the *appetizer* for a sports match of some sort. My
sister did cheerleading for our local football club and I remember the
comments that were made by the *yobs* in the audience, pretty yuk stuff. I
also realise my daughter who is 9 is a long way from doing professional sort
of stuff but I just don't like the whole makeup, leotard or short skirt,
thrusting, leg spreading deal and spending hours on hair-do's.
I can very much relate to what you are saying and share the exact same
fears, especially the thought of men objectifying her! My first thoughts were "OH
NO, JOHN BENNET RAMSY!" But from a "gross guy perspective" (I'm not one but
my better half has to be around them at work/gigs) he has heard men of all
ages from all walks of life say things about ice skaters, tennis players, even
(sit down for this) Charlotte Church, an extremely conservatively clad young
opera singer "because she can open her mouth wide." So his point about this
was yes, gross people objectify children, but they will do so no matter what
the child is doing or wearing.
I agree with the hair, makeup shtick - however in our case, I doubt my
little girl will ever see those things as fun or glamorous being that she hears me
BITCH openly every time I have to look fancy and spend hours on my hair,
face, awful high heels, etc...she sees it as the junky part of my job and
understands the pain and agony behind it! She has even told me she feel sad for me
that my feet hurt at the end of a gig :-)
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kldickson@... writes:
I also share the same issues with cheerleading that you outlined and I
associate cheerleading with 'bimbo' mentality. I can see that it would be
fun and athletic but its more the where can it lead to besides standing
somewhere and being the *appetizer* for a sports match of some sort. My
sister did cheerleading for our local football club and I remember the
comments that were made by the *yobs* in the audience, pretty yuk stuff. I
also realise my daughter who is 9 is a long way from doing professional sort
of stuff but I just don't like the whole makeup, leotard or short skirt,
thrusting, leg spreading deal and spending hours on hair-do's.
I can very much relate to what you are saying and share the exact same
fears, especially the thought of men objectifying her! My first thoughts were "OH
NO, JOHN BENNET RAMSY!" But from a "gross guy perspective" (I'm not one but
my better half has to be around them at work/gigs) he has heard men of all
ages from all walks of life say things about ice skaters, tennis players, even
(sit down for this) Charlotte Church, an extremely conservatively clad young
opera singer "because she can open her mouth wide." So his point about this
was yes, gross people objectify children, but they will do so no matter what
the child is doing or wearing.
I agree with the hair, makeup shtick - however in our case, I doubt my
little girl will ever see those things as fun or glamorous being that she hears me
BITCH openly every time I have to look fancy and spend hours on my hair,
face, awful high heels, etc...she sees it as the junky part of my job and
understands the pain and agony behind it! She has even told me she feel sad for me
that my feet hurt at the end of a gig :-)
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kristenhendricks55
Some people view things as being sexual or vulgar that others dont.
I really dont see their moves being anything other than a dance.
If your dd feels uncomfortable doing those gestures- she will tell
you.
My daughter is three and (yes I know the controversy around this
issue) she competes in beauty pageants. Fake hair, makeup, spray on
tan- the works.
We tried a small mall pageant once and she loved it and it
progressed from there. A lot of people view pageantry as being "too
sexual" or "flirtacious"... but it's not. Kendall loves dancing and
doing her routines and showing off for the judges. She sees it
simply as "her time to shine". And who am I to tell her whether
anything shes doing is appropriate or not?
Shes not suggesting anything (whether an onlooked would see it as
too mature of an outfit or dance for her age- thats their
perogative)... she is there to have fun and enjoy it and enjoy her
time in the spotlight.
I really dont see their moves being anything other than a dance.
If your dd feels uncomfortable doing those gestures- she will tell
you.
My daughter is three and (yes I know the controversy around this
issue) she competes in beauty pageants. Fake hair, makeup, spray on
tan- the works.
We tried a small mall pageant once and she loved it and it
progressed from there. A lot of people view pageantry as being "too
sexual" or "flirtacious"... but it's not. Kendall loves dancing and
doing her routines and showing off for the judges. She sees it
simply as "her time to shine". And who am I to tell her whether
anything shes doing is appropriate or not?
Shes not suggesting anything (whether an onlooked would see it as
too mature of an outfit or dance for her age- thats their
perogative)... she is there to have fun and enjoy it and enjoy her
time in the spotlight.
--- In [email protected], singdoula@... wrote:
>
>
>
> my daughter who is normally NOT into anything pink, thinks
princess are lame
> because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little
feminist recently
> asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and
wear the
> uniform and stuff) I told her yes because I really believe she
should be able to
> try out whatever she is interested in and decide on her own what
she thinks
> about it but I am FREAKING OUT INSIDE because of the negative
feelings I have
> about cheerleading and cheerleaders especially these days when
they make such
> sexually inappropriate gestures in their routines! It has also
always
> bothered me that they are on the sidelines cheering (and
seducing) instead of
> playing the sport. In professional sports they are revered as
athletic show-girls
> and regularly are in centerfold calendars. In schools they are
talked about
> as "the girls you want to land." On the other hand, cheerleading
requires a
> TREMENDOUS amount of dedication, athleticism, commitment, and
ability. And
> when I strip down all the "ick" factors, it looks like a ton of
fun. The outfit
> TRULY bothers me and just looks plain old whore-ish, blught! But
again, when
> I think about WHY I feel that way it is because of the
stereotypes. I don't
> look at tennis players and think "little slut" and those outfits
look almost
> exactly the same. I am getting major s--t for this from my
feminist friends
> and mom. Despite that I still think the best thing is to just
say "go for it"
> and see what happens. She's only 7 and she likes it because it
looks fun and
> the outfit is pretty and she likes playing with little girls her
same age.
> She isn't doing it to get a date or anything, LOL.
>
> My question is, do I stay quiet about all the concerns I have (my
gut tells
> me yes) or do I explain how cheerleaders are perceived in our
culture (my mom
> tells me yes). How I feel about it is, maybe the reputation of
cheerleaders
> is in the gutter now but why can't my daughter be the one to
change that,
> rather than avoid the sport? I am just plain old lying to myself
and introducing
> something to her that will be a bad influence?
>
> Adriana
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Ren Allen
~~thinks princess are lame
because they need to be "rescued" ~~
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
Ren, still a feminist (that happens to think Barbie is A-OK)
learninginfreedom.com
because they need to be "rescued" ~~
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
Ren, still a feminist (that happens to think Barbie is A-OK)
learninginfreedom.com
Ren Allen
~~My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.~~
I think this is really sad.
If your child was dead and gone tomorrow, what would matter more? That
she didn't get to cheerlead while she was here (probably in order to
please Mum) or that she found joy and passion in something that
fascinated her.
Things that make you want to puke should be things that harm other
people. Cheerleading isn't harmful, telling kids their interests suck
DOES.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.~~
I think this is really sad.
If your child was dead and gone tomorrow, what would matter more? That
she didn't get to cheerlead while she was here (probably in order to
please Mum) or that she found joy and passion in something that
fascinated her.
Things that make you want to puke should be things that harm other
people. Cheerleading isn't harmful, telling kids their interests suck
DOES.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Ren Allen
~~My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.~~
I think this is really sad.
If your child was dead and gone tomorrow, what would matter more? That
she didn't get to cheerlead while she was here (probably in order to
please Mum) or that she found joy and passion in something that
fascinated her.
Things that make you want to puke should be things that harm other
people. Cheerleading isn't harmful, telling kids their interests suck IS.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.~~
I think this is really sad.
If your child was dead and gone tomorrow, what would matter more? That
she didn't get to cheerlead while she was here (probably in order to
please Mum) or that she found joy and passion in something that
fascinated her.
Things that make you want to puke should be things that harm other
people. Cheerleading isn't harmful, telling kids their interests suck IS.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Ren Allen
~~I am THRILLED that she wants to do something like
this and am going to do my best to keep anyone with a negative opinion
about it away from her!!!~~
GOOD! Because it's really harmful to hear that the thing you LOVE is
lame to someone else...especially when you're young and vulnerable.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
this and am going to do my best to keep anyone with a negative opinion
about it away from her!!!~~
GOOD! Because it's really harmful to hear that the thing you LOVE is
lame to someone else...especially when you're young and vulnerable.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
[email protected]
My daughter was into cheerleading when she was about 11. It was a low budget community affair (AYOP, aka America's Youth Outreach Program) and the girls outfits were usually oversized, boxy and not at all sexy. They were encouraged to wear long sleaved turtlenecks to keep warm under the tops, which were not tight adn had short sleeves and a modest scooped neck. And this is in california. They kept the young girls in very modest attire. She enjoyed it and had a ton of fun. The meets were also fun and full of good natured competition. I had a great time with the parents in the stands. By age 13, she did not want to do it anymore.
My older daughter, on the other hand, goes to public high school and really wanted to try out for cheerleading because she discovered a love for and an ability to dance. But she did not try out because the new cheerleading coach required "too provocative" routines and she "did not want to dance like a ho." (her words). I was so pissed off at that because it was something she really wanted to do. When you watch the competitions on TV, you see that there is a lot of atheticism in cheerleading, and the routines you see in competition are not really very provocative. I have seen more offensive stuff in music videos. I also kind of liked the movie "Bring it On." I had a friend who would not let her daughter see the movie because it was about cheerleaders but there were some positive messages in that movie.
Lots of sports require girls to dress in attire that is skimpier than cheerleading outfits. Ice skating, gymnastics, swimming, trapeze artistry, etc.
I think you should let her try it out. She may decide she doesnt like it. You may find you do like it.
Kathryn
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Karen <kldickson@...>
My older daughter, on the other hand, goes to public high school and really wanted to try out for cheerleading because she discovered a love for and an ability to dance. But she did not try out because the new cheerleading coach required "too provocative" routines and she "did not want to dance like a ho." (her words). I was so pissed off at that because it was something she really wanted to do. When you watch the competitions on TV, you see that there is a lot of atheticism in cheerleading, and the routines you see in competition are not really very provocative. I have seen more offensive stuff in music videos. I also kind of liked the movie "Bring it On." I had a friend who would not let her daughter see the movie because it was about cheerleaders but there were some positive messages in that movie.
Lots of sports require girls to dress in attire that is skimpier than cheerleading outfits. Ice skating, gymnastics, swimming, trapeze artistry, etc.
I think you should let her try it out. She may decide she doesnt like it. You may find you do like it.
Kathryn
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Karen <kldickson@...>
On 10/01/07, singdoula@... <singdoula@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Adriana wrote: my daughter who is normally NOT into anything pink, thinks
> princess are lame
> because they need to be "rescued" and is quite the little feminist
> recently
> asked if she could join a CHEERLEADING class at gymnastics (and wear the
> uniform and stuff)
We have had a similar situation which has quietly died down for the time
being. My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.
I also share the same issues with cheerleading that you outlined and I
associate cheerleading with 'bimbo' mentality. I can see that it would be
fun and athletic but its more the where can it lead to besides standing
somewhere and being the *appetizer* for a sports match of some sort. My
sister did cheerleading for our local football club and I remember the
comments that were made by the *yobs* in the audience, pretty yuk stuff. I
also realise my daughter who is 9 is a long way from doing professional sort
of stuff but I just don't like the whole makeup, leotard or short skirt,
thrusting, leg spreading deal and spending hours on hair-do's.
Sorry, no helpful advice here, more a TON of baggage for the list to sort
through LOL.
Karen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ginger Sabo
How about the Paper Bag Princess?!
In Peace,
Ginger
Kai(7) and Kade(5)
LOVE has impact.
"It's not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences." - Audre Lorde
----- Original Message ----
From: Ren Allen <starsuncloud@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2007 9:28:50 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: cheerleading
~~thinks princess are lame
because they need to be "rescued" ~~
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
Ren, still a feminist (that happens to think Barbie is A-OK)
learninginfreedom. com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
In Peace,
Ginger
Kai(7) and Kade(5)
LOVE has impact.
"It's not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences." - Audre Lorde
----- Original Message ----
From: Ren Allen <starsuncloud@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2007 9:28:50 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: cheerleading
~~thinks princess are lame
because they need to be "rescued" ~~
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
Ren, still a feminist (that happens to think Barbie is A-OK)
learninginfreedom. com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/9/2007 10:33:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
starsuncloud@... writes:
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
I AM RUNNING out to get this!!! More for my boys than for her. They can be
really mean about princess stuff which I think has made my daughter a "closet
princess." These stories will help a lot!
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
It is a serious sport! why would the competitions be on espn if if wasn't?
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
HA! They would freak about the barbie thing :-) MAC is the best!!! And the
artists there are fabulous. It is the only place I will go for getting myself
done up before getting promo photos shot. You have the coolest job! I am
jealous. It must make you feel so good when people look in the mirror and feel
gorgeous because of your work. My best friend is a pregnancy and breastfeeding
photographer and she THRIVES on making people feel gorgeous for the first
time in their pregnancy, or helping them feel beautiful when it comes to
nursing.
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
starsuncloud@... writes:
Not ALL princesses!! There's a book by Rand McNally from 1974 titled
"The Princess Book" that has several stories about Princesses that are
their own heroes. It's one of my books from childhood and I now read
it to my own children.
I AM RUNNING out to get this!!! More for my boys than for her. They can be
really mean about princess stuff which I think has made my daughter a "closet
princess." These stories will help a lot!
About the cheerleading thing, I am always going to advocate for
freedom to choose. Whatever a child has a fascination in, is
something they'll learn from. Their own learning experiences are far
more important than any hangups or opinions from friends/family.
Cheerleading IS a sport. Anyone that wants to discount the athletic
ability needed to cheer should really try it for a day or two.:)
It is a serious sport! why would the competitions be on espn if if wasn't?
I say, get over YOUR ideas about it and see it for what it is...a
sport she is interested in for now. Nourish that interest.
I was made to feel guilty for my fascination with makeup and other
"wordly" interests as a child. It didn't stop me from becoming a
makeup artist, it just took me longer and did some damage to the
relationship with my parents. I make a living working full-time as an
artist today and the company I work for (MAC cosmetics) is coming out
with a "Barbie Loves MAC" collection this spring, complete with a MAC
addict Barbie doll!!! How would THAT sit with your feminist friends? haha
HA! They would freak about the barbie thing :-) MAC is the best!!! And the
artists there are fabulous. It is the only place I will go for getting myself
done up before getting promo photos shot. You have the coolest job! I am
jealous. It must make you feel so good when people look in the mirror and feel
gorgeous because of your work. My best friend is a pregnancy and breastfeeding
photographer and she THRIVES on making people feel gorgeous for the first
time in their pregnancy, or helping them feel beautiful when it comes to
nursing.
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
alisonslp
I was a cheerleader as a child and really enjoyed it too but it has
become very risque, in the uniforms, make-up and the routines. We live
in NC, which has a lot of cheerleading teams for youngsters. I am
shocked by the image the programs choose to promote. Having said that,
the programs are filled to capacity, with waiting lists so obviously
not everyone feels the same way.
DD is into gymnastics at this point and will probably stay there a
while to compete but she has talked about maybe cheering when she's
older. She likes the college teams when we go to the b-ball and f-ball
games. I love watching the competitions on TV. I don't know if she has
seen any yet. The college uniforms are actually more conservative than
many of the high school and private teams...
Alison
become very risque, in the uniforms, make-up and the routines. We live
in NC, which has a lot of cheerleading teams for youngsters. I am
shocked by the image the programs choose to promote. Having said that,
the programs are filled to capacity, with waiting lists so obviously
not everyone feels the same way.
DD is into gymnastics at this point and will probably stay there a
while to compete but she has talked about maybe cheering when she's
older. She likes the college teams when we go to the b-ball and f-ball
games. I love watching the competitions on TV. I don't know if she has
seen any yet. The college uniforms are actually more conservative than
many of the high school and private teams...
Alison
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/9/2007 11:18:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
alisonslp@... writes:
I was a cheerleader as a child and really enjoyed it too but it has
become very risque, in the uniforms, make-up and the routines. We live
in NC, which has a lot of cheerleading teams for youngsters. I am
shocked by the image the programs choose to promote. Having said that,
the programs are filled to capacity, with waiting lists so obviously
not everyone feels the same way.
I am the director of music for a Catholic Church. The school affiliated with
the church (which I have nothing to do with) is ages Pre-K to 8th grade.
They have cheer teams for all ages and the girls are VERY scantly clad and make
extremely suggestive movements when they dance and cheer. And they are called
"the angels" sqad. Go figure!?
I've been searching all night for a place to take her and so far found 2
that look promising; one is a gymnastics school run by homeschool parents, the
other is the YMCA programs which mentions "wholesome/modest cheer program"
sounds intriguing. I will make calls tomorrow. Hopefully my laryngitis will be
better by then :-(
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
alisonslp@... writes:
I was a cheerleader as a child and really enjoyed it too but it has
become very risque, in the uniforms, make-up and the routines. We live
in NC, which has a lot of cheerleading teams for youngsters. I am
shocked by the image the programs choose to promote. Having said that,
the programs are filled to capacity, with waiting lists so obviously
not everyone feels the same way.
I am the director of music for a Catholic Church. The school affiliated with
the church (which I have nothing to do with) is ages Pre-K to 8th grade.
They have cheer teams for all ages and the girls are VERY scantly clad and make
extremely suggestive movements when they dance and cheer. And they are called
"the angels" sqad. Go figure!?
I've been searching all night for a place to take her and so far found 2
that look promising; one is a gymnastics school run by homeschool parents, the
other is the YMCA programs which mentions "wholesome/modest cheer program"
sounds intriguing. I will make calls tomorrow. Hopefully my laryngitis will be
better by then :-(
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: unschooling1@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 7:56 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: cheerleading
<Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these>
I wholly agree that there is no difference in the athletic ability, skill, dedication, etc. between cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. My two daughters, ages 10 1/2 and 7 1/2 both are involved in competitive cheerleading and have been for three years now. When my oldest daughter was two, she would beg to watch ESPN cheer tournaments. (She discovered them one day when we turned on the tv and it was already tuned to ESPN from a prior game and cheerleading was on.) She wanted madly to cheer for years and we signed her up as soon as we found a program. The biggest reason we signed her up, besides her wild desire, was because it was never in the plan that she would be in a school, her only option to cheer was competitive.
That said, both my daughters love it. It is very expensive, with uniforms and competitions. Often my girls ask why can't we do this, go there, or buy that. When I explain we could do those other things or we can cheer, they always say cheer.
All cheerleaders and coaches know the effort put forth by the athletes, and here in Illinois they have been officially acknowledged as athletes. However, we have participated in two gyms that also have dance, tumbling, and gymnastics. In both gyms, my daughters have learned discrimination from tumbling coaches who should know better. In the first gym we were affiliated with, one tumbling coach repeatedly made comments to his tumblers when they shared the floor with the cheerleaders about how they were better tumblers and should show us how it is done. In our current gym, the tumbling coach told the cheerleaders that they had to move off the official "cheer floor" to make room for his tumblers because they are better and deserve more room. This was from coaches who knew the time, effort, skill, etc. yet they still make thoughtless comments. Cheerleaders only learn select tumble moves that they use and never learn some of the basics, like handstands, therefore most tumbling coaches we have encountered look down on the skills of the cheerleaders, even though there is much the cheerleaders do, that the tumblers cannot. The coaches have definitely passed this attitude to their students, as I have seen tumblers 8 years old put down the cheerleaders because of tumbling. The issue of slutiness, and cultural stereotypes has never come up in any instance since we started.
Never being in school allows my children the freedom from cliques, stereotypes, and reputations so common in school. However, they still do experience a different type of attitude about cheerleaders. And for the record, when my daughters tell me of the comments, and some I have heard myself, they tell me like "Can you believe what he said? He doesn't know what he is talking about." I am always way more bothered than they are.
No matter what you choose in life, you will have someone who disagrees. As unschoolers, you are already changing the stereotypes of the public. As cheerleaders, your daughters (or your sons) can change other stereotypes as well.
Way more than my two cents,
Mindy
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: unschooling1@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 7:56 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: cheerleading
<Maybe I'm being
naive, but how is it really any different than other ways of
performing, such as gymnastics or dance? It's kind of a combination
of these>
I wholly agree that there is no difference in the athletic ability, skill, dedication, etc. between cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. My two daughters, ages 10 1/2 and 7 1/2 both are involved in competitive cheerleading and have been for three years now. When my oldest daughter was two, she would beg to watch ESPN cheer tournaments. (She discovered them one day when we turned on the tv and it was already tuned to ESPN from a prior game and cheerleading was on.) She wanted madly to cheer for years and we signed her up as soon as we found a program. The biggest reason we signed her up, besides her wild desire, was because it was never in the plan that she would be in a school, her only option to cheer was competitive.
That said, both my daughters love it. It is very expensive, with uniforms and competitions. Often my girls ask why can't we do this, go there, or buy that. When I explain we could do those other things or we can cheer, they always say cheer.
All cheerleaders and coaches know the effort put forth by the athletes, and here in Illinois they have been officially acknowledged as athletes. However, we have participated in two gyms that also have dance, tumbling, and gymnastics. In both gyms, my daughters have learned discrimination from tumbling coaches who should know better. In the first gym we were affiliated with, one tumbling coach repeatedly made comments to his tumblers when they shared the floor with the cheerleaders about how they were better tumblers and should show us how it is done. In our current gym, the tumbling coach told the cheerleaders that they had to move off the official "cheer floor" to make room for his tumblers because they are better and deserve more room. This was from coaches who knew the time, effort, skill, etc. yet they still make thoughtless comments. Cheerleaders only learn select tumble moves that they use and never learn some of the basics, like handstands, therefore most tumbling coaches we have encountered look down on the skills of the cheerleaders, even though there is much the cheerleaders do, that the tumblers cannot. The coaches have definitely passed this attitude to their students, as I have seen tumblers 8 years old put down the cheerleaders because of tumbling. The issue of slutiness, and cultural stereotypes has never come up in any instance since we started.
Never being in school allows my children the freedom from cliques, stereotypes, and reputations so common in school. However, they still do experience a different type of attitude about cheerleaders. And for the record, when my daughters tell me of the comments, and some I have heard myself, they tell me like "Can you believe what he said? He doesn't know what he is talking about." I am always way more bothered than they are.
No matter what you choose in life, you will have someone who disagrees. As unschoolers, you are already changing the stereotypes of the public. As cheerleaders, your daughters (or your sons) can change other stereotypes as well.
Way more than my two cents,
Mindy
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~How about the Paper Bag Princess?!~~
I'm not sure if it's the same story (or maybe a version of it) but my
"The Princess Book" has one called "The Paper Princess".
One of my favorite stories is "Young Ladies Don't Slay Dragons" in
which the heroine DOES go out to slay a dragon. "Stop or I'll shoot"
she says to it. And then she does, and she kills it and saves the
prince.:)
He wants to marry her of course, but before she says yes, she informs
him: "I've been wiating for someone like you to ask me something like
that. But there's something you should know about me first. I won't
be happy just being a queen and doing queen-things. I like to fix
drawbridges, build birdhouses, slay dragons--that sort of thing."
"It so happens I have bridges, birds, and dragons to spare." said the
Prince hopefully.
And on it goes.:)
I sometimes wonder why my supposedly-conservative Mum read stories
like this to me, but then I realize she was really a liberal that was
just stuck in a cult-like church. She was always doing these
"subversive" things and I like to think that spunky attitude lives on
in her girls.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
I'm not sure if it's the same story (or maybe a version of it) but my
"The Princess Book" has one called "The Paper Princess".
One of my favorite stories is "Young Ladies Don't Slay Dragons" in
which the heroine DOES go out to slay a dragon. "Stop or I'll shoot"
she says to it. And then she does, and she kills it and saves the
prince.:)
He wants to marry her of course, but before she says yes, she informs
him: "I've been wiating for someone like you to ask me something like
that. But there's something you should know about me first. I won't
be happy just being a queen and doing queen-things. I like to fix
drawbridges, build birdhouses, slay dragons--that sort of thing."
"It so happens I have bridges, birds, and dragons to spare." said the
Prince hopefully.
And on it goes.:)
I sometimes wonder why my supposedly-conservative Mum read stories
like this to me, but then I realize she was really a liberal that was
just stuck in a cult-like church. She was always doing these
"subversive" things and I like to think that spunky attitude lives on
in her girls.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/9/2007 11:42:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
kristenhendricks55@... writes:
My daughter is three and (yes I know the controversy around this
issue) she competes in beauty pageants. Fake hair, makeup, spray on
tan- the works.
this makes me feel so much better! I highlight my daughters hair (with
foils) and she LOVES being blonde and radiant (like Mama) I was blonde as a kid
and then it got dark so I started lightening in various ways. My mom was the
one that encouraged it first with lemons, then sun in, then at home frosting
kits at age 8! My daughter's first highlights were at age 6. She is still very
blonde on her own but when we don't swim or go outside much she gets roots so
we touch up. ALL of this was because she asked for it and was curious about
what I do to my hair and wanted to try it herself. None touches her scalp and
I use the non-smelly gentle stuff so that she doesn't get chemicals in her
lungs. It is a beautiful bonding time for us and we take lots of before and
after pics.
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kristenhendricks55@... writes:
My daughter is three and (yes I know the controversy around this
issue) she competes in beauty pageants. Fake hair, makeup, spray on
tan- the works.
this makes me feel so much better! I highlight my daughters hair (with
foils) and she LOVES being blonde and radiant (like Mama) I was blonde as a kid
and then it got dark so I started lightening in various ways. My mom was the
one that encouraged it first with lemons, then sun in, then at home frosting
kits at age 8! My daughter's first highlights were at age 6. She is still very
blonde on her own but when we don't swim or go outside much she gets roots so
we touch up. ALL of this was because she asked for it and was curious about
what I do to my hair and wanted to try it herself. None touches her scalp and
I use the non-smelly gentle stuff so that she doesn't get chemicals in her
lungs. It is a beautiful bonding time for us and we take lots of before and
after pics.
Adriana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kristenhendricks55
That is honestly the first time Ive told someone about dd doing
pageants and not one negative remark. I appreciate that very much :)
Thank you!
Usually I explain to people that it would be no different had she
been in a dance class where she would put on TONS of bright red
lipstick and blue eyeshadow and danced around on stage. And at leats
if shes in a dress- its more coverage than a little leotard.
She takes tap and gymnastics also... but loves her pageants.
We recently went to an indoor water park resort for a week and had
done a pageant the day before we left for vacation. After the trip I
asked her how she liked it. She said she loved the waterslides.. but
she REALLY loved her pageant.
I figure if shes still talking about it after a week of non-stop
fun... then it must be something she loves. And I don't intend of
making her stop no matter what the remarks are :)
Some people view things as provacative, but if you view it as
nothing more than what it is... which is a kid enjoying herself...
then YOU will enjoy it too. I love watching Kendall up there. Shes
happy and I'm happy and it doesnt matter one bit what anyone else
says.
I say dye her hair all you want... it grows back (and hell- its
FUN)!!!
pageants and not one negative remark. I appreciate that very much :)
Thank you!
Usually I explain to people that it would be no different had she
been in a dance class where she would put on TONS of bright red
lipstick and blue eyeshadow and danced around on stage. And at leats
if shes in a dress- its more coverage than a little leotard.
She takes tap and gymnastics also... but loves her pageants.
We recently went to an indoor water park resort for a week and had
done a pageant the day before we left for vacation. After the trip I
asked her how she liked it. She said she loved the waterslides.. but
she REALLY loved her pageant.
I figure if shes still talking about it after a week of non-stop
fun... then it must be something she loves. And I don't intend of
making her stop no matter what the remarks are :)
Some people view things as provacative, but if you view it as
nothing more than what it is... which is a kid enjoying herself...
then YOU will enjoy it too. I love watching Kendall up there. Shes
happy and I'm happy and it doesnt matter one bit what anyone else
says.
I say dye her hair all you want... it grows back (and hell- its
FUN)!!!
--- In [email protected], singdoula@... wrote:
>
>
>
>
> In a message dated 1/9/2007 11:42:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> kristenhendricks55@... writes:
>
> My daughter is three and (yes I know the controversy around this
> issue) she competes in beauty pageants. Fake hair, makeup, spray
on
> tan- the works.
>
>
>
> this makes me feel so much better! I highlight my daughters hair
(with
> foils) and she LOVES being blonde and radiant (like Mama) I was
blonde as a kid
> and then it got dark so I started lightening in various ways. My
mom was the
> one that encouraged it first with lemons, then sun in, then at
home frosting
> kits at age 8! My daughter's first highlights were at age 6. She
is still very
> blonde on her own but when we don't swim or go outside much she
gets roots so
> we touch up. ALL of this was because she asked for it and was
curious about
> what I do to my hair and wanted to try it herself. None touches
her scalp and
> I use the non-smelly gentle stuff so that she doesn't get
chemicals in her
> lungs. It is a beautiful bonding time for us and we take lots of
before and
> after pics.
>
> Adriana
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Karen
Hang on, hang on, nowhere in my post did I say I have TOLD HER these things
I feel. I was expressing these *unacceptable thoughts* to this list not to
my children; in the hope of hearing what others thought. Thanks for the
feedback
Karen
I feel. I was expressing these *unacceptable thoughts* to this list not to
my children; in the hope of hearing what others thought. Thanks for the
feedback
Karen
On 10/01/07, Ren Allen <starsuncloud@...> wrote:
>
> ~~My youngest is mad keen to join cheerleading but I have such a BIG
> problem with this I nearly puke when she even mentions it.~~
>
> I think this is really sad.
> If your child was dead and gone tomorrow, what would matter more? That
> she didn't get to cheerlead while she was here (probably in order to
> please Mum) or that she found joy and passion in something that
> fascinated her.
>
> Things that make you want to puke should be things that harm other
> people. Cheerleading isn't harmful, telling kids their interests suck IS.
>
> Ren
> learninginfreedom.com
>
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~I was expressing these *unacceptable thoughts* to this list not to
my children; in the hope of hearing what others thought.~~
That's good...but if the feelings are that strong, trying to hide it
is going to confuse your children too. Maybe coming to terms with your
own feelings and trying to embrace the joy of exploration with your
child, rather than judge the activity, will help it become a positive
feeling.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
my children; in the hope of hearing what others thought.~~
That's good...but if the feelings are that strong, trying to hide it
is going to confuse your children too. Maybe coming to terms with your
own feelings and trying to embrace the joy of exploration with your
child, rather than judge the activity, will help it become a positive
feeling.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com