Any other moms encounter these moms?
First of all I'll start by saying I watch my kid about 1-2 hours out of about 20 hours of practice a week. So, my experience is limited in my encounters.
However...
I hear moms talk about children...that are not theirs. And also, I'll have to clarify they aren't usually talking in a complimentary manner (wouldn't that be nice?).
It is usually commentary on:
A child's rough practice. Said in a way that is not at all concerned, but rather slightly pleased to see another child struggle that is not theirs.
A child's/parent's scheduling of private lessons. How many...what skills...their intentions/motivations.
A child's growth spurt...again, you and I both know that growth isn't exactly a positive in this sport. And the moms I hear talking about this are usually commenting on a girl's height change and her...ahem...development. Which we all know is code for "Suzie is no longer teeny tiny and is now a giant in the world of gymnastics and has now GOD FORBID shown she is normal and is developing. Her gymnastics career is now over as she can no longer fit in her mom's pocket and also is actually starting to look her age. So sad. (Again, not at all concerned...simply giddy at the misfortune this child has of being normal).
A child's "ugly" skills. Ugly leaps. Ugly tumbling. Ugly bar form. Yes...using the word "ugly".
And of course most of this is done in comparison to their child (who is inevitably the best and clearly overlooked).
I will actually say I've heard some moms go as far to straight up just comment on a child's appearance. Straight up mean girl stuff I see in some of these moms.
And in my defense, I try my best to a. stay away or b. steer the conversation to positives
Why a vent? Well...because that's kind of what chalkbucket is, right? To hash things out...to hear other mom's perspective...etc.
Also, the sad part of me knows if I hear a mom talking about other kids, they are most certainly talking about my child when I am not around. And as strong as I think I am, this bums me out. Makes me sad to think some people are waiting to see my child struggle (which she has, is, and will continue to do).
And maybe also to put it out there to all of us...
Be kind. Focus on your kid. There is room out there for all of them, and when one child fails or struggles, this should never bring you some sort of personal satisfaction.
That's all.
I feel better now.
First of all I'll start by saying I watch my kid about 1-2 hours out of about 20 hours of practice a week. So, my experience is limited in my encounters.
However...
I hear moms talk about children...that are not theirs. And also, I'll have to clarify they aren't usually talking in a complimentary manner (wouldn't that be nice?).
It is usually commentary on:
A child's rough practice. Said in a way that is not at all concerned, but rather slightly pleased to see another child struggle that is not theirs.
A child's/parent's scheduling of private lessons. How many...what skills...their intentions/motivations.
A child's growth spurt...again, you and I both know that growth isn't exactly a positive in this sport. And the moms I hear talking about this are usually commenting on a girl's height change and her...ahem...development. Which we all know is code for "Suzie is no longer teeny tiny and is now a giant in the world of gymnastics and has now GOD FORBID shown she is normal and is developing. Her gymnastics career is now over as she can no longer fit in her mom's pocket and also is actually starting to look her age. So sad. (Again, not at all concerned...simply giddy at the misfortune this child has of being normal).
A child's "ugly" skills. Ugly leaps. Ugly tumbling. Ugly bar form. Yes...using the word "ugly".
And of course most of this is done in comparison to their child (who is inevitably the best and clearly overlooked).
I will actually say I've heard some moms go as far to straight up just comment on a child's appearance. Straight up mean girl stuff I see in some of these moms.
And in my defense, I try my best to a. stay away or b. steer the conversation to positives
Why a vent? Well...because that's kind of what chalkbucket is, right? To hash things out...to hear other mom's perspective...etc.
Also, the sad part of me knows if I hear a mom talking about other kids, they are most certainly talking about my child when I am not around. And as strong as I think I am, this bums me out. Makes me sad to think some people are waiting to see my child struggle (which she has, is, and will continue to do).
And maybe also to put it out there to all of us...
Be kind. Focus on your kid. There is room out there for all of them, and when one child fails or struggles, this should never bring you some sort of personal satisfaction.
That's all.
I feel better now.