Disclaimer: This blog post reflects an anonymous opinion shared by a parent within the cheerleading community.
As a parent, witnessing our children go through the highs and lows of tryouts can be both thrilling and heart-wrenching. Just the other day, my daughter, who has flown for the past two years, attended her cheerleading tryouts. She had dedicated countless hours to improving her flexibility and strength, eagerly anticipating another season in the air.
After what felt like an eternity, the gym doors finally opened, releasing a tidal wave of emotions from every child. There were smiles, tears, and everything in between. My daughter’s expression, however, was uncertain.
In the chaos, one of her friends mentioned that my daughter had flown a little but spent most of the time basing. My initial reaction was one of disappointment. She had worked so hard, and it seemed like her efforts hadn’t paid off the way we had hoped. But then, something profound happened.
As I processed this news, I noticed my daughter glancing at me, searching my face for a reaction. In that moment, I realized the weight of my responsibility. My reaction would set the emotional tone for her experience.
Pushing aside my own feelings of sadness, I smiled as brightly as I could and said, “That’s freaking awesome! She is so strong, I’m sure she was amazing at it!” I saw her return to changing her shoes, but this time with a small, satisfied smile.
This experience reminded me of the immense power our reactions hold. Our children look to us for validation and support, especially during pivotal moments like tryouts.
Here are a few tips on how to handle these situations with grace:
- Stay Positive: Even if the outcome isn’t what you or your child expected, find something positive to highlight. Acknowledge their hard work and strengths.
- Be Supportive: Show your child that you are proud of them regardless of the result. Your support helps build their confidence and resilience.
- Listen: Let your child express their feelings. Sometimes, they just need to be heard without immediate solutions or judgments.
- Celebrate Effort: Focus on the journey and the effort they put in, not just the outcome. This reinforces the value of hard work and perseverance.
- Set the Tone: Your reaction sets the emotional tone. Choose to be a source of encouragement and positivity.
In the world of cheerleading, roles can change, and challenges arise. But with our support and a positive outlook, we can help our children navigate these changes with grace and resilience. Let’s control the narrative and do it with love. ❤️
— Anonymous Cheer Mom
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