PARENTS GUIDE TO ALLSTAR CHEERLEADING
Over the next week, I am going to be revisiting a series of posts (8-part series) for parents that I originally posted 2 years ago. After I sat down and reread them last week, I still think they are almost more relevant today then when I originally posted them.
I hope you are able to drop in every day to read them.
Parents Guide - Part 1
BE PRESENT
So after my daughter’s senior year. We were having a conversation and I made a revelation. Over the previous couple of years, since my kids hit driving age, I actually became an Absent Parent. Yes, me! This hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart actually hurts as I type this. As involved as I am in this sport, I was an absent parent. I showed up to competitions, talked daily about cheer and practices, but I missed something. I missed going to practices, I missed the interactions between coaches and teammates, and I missed that immediate reaction to practice. You know, that 15 minutes in the car on the way home. Whether good or bad, I wasn’t there for her. And I regret this.
Now I do realize that during Covid a lot of practices became closed as a safety thing. And since then, a lot have remained closed. I recently asked the question about whose practices were still closed and I was blown away by the amount. About ½ said it was still closed. I realize that sometimes when a parent is there it can be distracting to the athletes and teams, but that shouldn’t outweigh our job as a parent. I can’t think of another sport where we not allow parents to view a practice. The only exceptions where practices are closed would be during try-outs and choreography. But the doors to practice should never be locked unless they are in an urgent lockdown matter… PERIOD. I have seen the question posed if this is even allowed per USASF rules.
Let me make one thing clear, I am not saying go to every practice, just every once in a while. To watch the interactions, be observant to potential bullying, any potential unwelcomed behavior and also to be their cheerleader. Let me tell you, if you show up to practice, I can just about guarantee that there won’t be any bullying that day. If your practices still today are closed, ask the simple question… why? Ask if you can attend every so often, or on the first practice of the month.
As I look back, I now know that the time in the car was for her to bottle some of her emotions and feelings, so she would have a happy face when she got home. I never knew.