Life can return to normal now that the Destination Imagination competition is over. That is a huge load off my mind (since I was the default coach of the 3rd grade girls team because I said I would "help" and that turned into taking over because I was the only parent who didn't "work") and actually the topic of my post today. Not the actual competition but the parents involved in it.
*Disclaimer: What I'm about to post is the sole opinion of the writer, who also believes that parents have to do what they think best for their child. It's just their version of "think" and "best" that I intend to comment on.
First, parents who work and throw their kids in activities because they don't have anything better to do after school. Then, parents who work and feel guilty about working so they spoil their kids (not only with things but also never putting their foot down). Lastly, parents who work and still want to tell you how to do something they don't have time to do so you should do it for them. Also, there are working parents who do all of the above. They practically want you to raise their kid!
Also, there are parents (mostly moms) who don't work and make their kids do every activity that can possibly be fit into one day while making snack bags and matching T-shirts for said activity. Totally out of control. These are the kids who win the science fair because their parents did it for them. These are the kids who win Destination Imagination because their parents sign the "No Interference" Contract but clearly don't understand what it means.
As you can tell, I have issues. And like I said, I think parents should do what they "think best" as to raising their kids. But can we have a little moderation and balance? I don't ask other people to raise my kids. And I'm all for letting my kids try and fail or succeed on their own terms instead of doing it for them because I won't always be there.
That said, I am not a perfect parent by any stretch of the imagination. But when I asked Kassie if she wanted to do Destination Imagination again next year, she said it was the best day of her life but she wanted a different team next year:) You really can't beat the best day of her life, no matter what you think of all the other parents involved.
"And remember, it's for posterity so be honest." ~ Six-fingered man in Princess Bride
4 comments:
Woah! Take a deep cleansing breath! You must feel better after that post! I know Carter isn't in school yet so I haven't experienced parents like that. I do know some parents that completely over schedule their children with soccer, baseball, piano, swimming and it drives me nuts. I think it puts too much pressure on kids to be everything to everyone. Carter will have two activities, French and Piano! No, just kidding, his sister will do those! But he can do two activities, and one has to be dropped if he wants to try another. However, when it comes to Carter's projects, I will sign the "No Interference" contract, but I can't promise I'll abide by it! As for Kassie, wasn't her "best day ever!" when she was inducted into the hall of fame and I think she might have said that on Christmas morning too! Even so, I think you have to do it if she thinks it fun. Someday she'll appreciate a mom that did things like that with her and realize how fortunate she is. Glad to see your back to blogging. Stay here, it's a lot less stressful!
AMEN sister! You have hit the nail right on the head with this post. Busy-ness is not by bag. I had to take megs out of activities this year because being in kindergarten was hard enough to juggle. Most moms try so hard to make their kids well rounded that they over do! And the kids end up just wanting down time. There was a poster on postsecret.com this week about moms over volunteering and how they should get a life...and let their kids fall down and learn to pick themselves up. Instead of moms doing everything for the kids.
Anyway...this really isn't my soapbox even though it appears that way by my writing a novel:)
I've never heard of Destination Imagination - what is it?
I completely agree with you Melissa - there are just some parents out there that don't get it. There was a girl in Taylor's class the last 2 years and her mother was the epitomy of what you're talking about. So glad they moved! Let kids be kids...I don't know how those parents keep up with those schedules anyway!
Aaaah, things to look forward to! I have a feeling I will so be on the same page as you. You're such a great mom to help out Kassie's team, I'm glad she had a great day! :)
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