Since this is the Sportymummy Blog, I thought I’d describe to you my feeling about my children’s participation in sporting activities.
Ever since my children were young, they have all displayed a very high level of physical activity, they literally bounced along, could run more fluently and faster than others the same age (this was often commented upon by strangers). It actually goes deeper than just being capable though, they have all purely enjoyed physical activity, and this activity in turn brings out the best in my children. For example, Flash (miss 8) was a very difficult toddler, she never really seemed happy unless she was outside or in the pool. A neighbor of ours with a daughter the same age, once came with us to the pool. They remarked how being in the water made her seem ‘normal’ Indeed, she would hold the edge of the pool and jump up and down in exhilaration! Buster, (Mr 4) finds communication difficult and frustrating, but you should see him on the trampoline. There, he is free!!
Currently both my girls, Flash and Muscles (miss 7) participate in sport at the highest level available for their age. Flash enjoys swimming the most at the moment and trains 3 night per week. She also does gymnastics, athletics and soccer. Muscles sport is gymnastics. She absolutely LOVES it! She trains 6 hours a week in the National Levels Program at pre-level 2. Muscles also does swimming and athletics.
I think it’s safe to say, without boasting, that the girls are good at their sport. As a mum I love nothing more than seeing the joy on their faces as they complete a sporting event. I don’t mind the endless taxiing to training, and I’ll go with out things to ensure there is enough money to pay for the costs of their training.
I DO NOT push my girls. Honestly I don’t. I love sport, but they do too. It is something they are good at, something which gives them high self esteem. But for them, sport does not define who they are. It’s just something that they do; just another day at the office.
I have found the tall poppy syndrome a problem with some other parents at the girl’s school. For instance Flash had gastro and missed cross country training in PE lessons at school. One of the mums said to her “I’m glad you were sick…it gave someone else a chance to win!!! Later, Flash asked me “was she really glad I was sick mum??” I can see peoples eyes glaze over whenever I mention sport and was even starting to get some sarcastic comments on my Facebook page about “just letting kids be kids”
What sort of mum would I be if I didn’t allow them to participate in the sports that they love?? I don’t bribe them or berate them for not achieving. I have spent hours reading books and searching the internet for the best ways to help and support them…and feed them!
Sometimes I just NEED to tell someone about what the girls have done! Twitter has given me a voice to tell it about the achievements of my girls. I figure anyone who doesn’t want to know, or gets sick of it, can just unfollow me! I plan to blog about what they get up to as well so…be warned, but it will still be fun!
Just cruising through your blog and found this post. I find it so interesting as I too had a house full of highly talented athletes. They won age Champion trophies at school and interschool events along with State and National medals in their numerous sports. I discivered the tall poppy syndrome very early on and even had parents saying to me that it would be "nice" if my children gave someone else a chance to win (their child). As my kids grew older, my daughters particularly copped so much bullying because of their talent. Both ended up with Scholarships to the same private girl's school in Brisbane where they were loved, cheered on and thrived in an environment that encouraged excellence and welcomed champions. Good luck :)
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