All-Star I Need All Of You Parents Out Theres Opinion!

[dawgshow]

You need to calmly sit down with her and ask specifically what about the commitment she doesn't like. Does Dad help get you to practice? Can you find a carpool option? Also, before cheer, did you guys spend a lot of time together? If so, maybe she sees cheer as something that's taking time away from you both. Ask her what she would like to see you doing instead of cheer and go from there. Also, would she be up for talking to your coach to get an adult's viewpoint?
It could be that she just hates cheer. Back in the stone ages when I cheered school cheer, my parents HATED it (still do, actually) and never came to watch me. It was awful :(
As far as benefits, definitely mention the physical fitness, the increase in confidence, the leadership skills you are learning on a team, and the great work ethic you are learning from the discipline needed to be successful.
Good luck!

 

[Just-a-Mom]

This is a tough one. I can't relate to this, because I sacrifice almost everything for my girls to cheer. But all I can say is I agree with whatever everyone else said. Find out exactly what it is about the commitment--is it that she'd rather you be doing something else? Or just that she feels like it's too much time for a kid to spend on ONE activity? And then sit down with her at a time that's good for her (I know when my kids want something, they tend to ask me while I am making dinner, as I'm walking in hte door, on the way to school.... just wait until she has time to actually SIT and listen to you) and discuss openly.

But I agree with Mamarazzi (as I so often do): she may have just meant what she said and you may have to deal with it. Is there any way you could talk her into just letting you take tumbling for this season? Then you'd have the whole year to work on her but not lose any skills. And she'd see that you're serious about this. I'm not sure how old you are, so I'm not sure if missing a whole season is feasible for you.

Good luck. I see both side of this one, but I do know cheer has changed my kids' lives.

 

[leaderingisfeirce]

My parents are divorced too! For me, I at first couldnt cheer because of the money. If that is your problem, then you can see if your gym will let you obtain sponsorships from a business.(thats what I did). Also, what worked on my dad, was to make a very long powerpoint that convinced him that I was serious and it's the sport I want to do. :)

Would you please if you could PM me the powerpoint? I would LOVE to see what it is, also I think this approach just may work on my mom!

 

[newcheerdad]

Freaky Parentr posts tonight...hmm...

Not to go all "freshman psych 101" on the post, but maybe mom is having a hard time separating and understanding that cheer can be a family affair. She may feel "put out" by all the hours you've spent at the gym rather than with her, like maybe iun the past. You really can't be mad at that either. Us parents give up pretty much everything for you kids, just so you can show us that you don't need us. And it's hard when you have to come to terms with that. Plus, if your mom feels any animosity toward dad after their divorce, and he's 100% for cheer, she might feel like you two are ganging up against her.
I've told MANY parents not to do all-star unless they love it, too. It would be terribly hard for me to allow my cp to be consumed in a world that I didn't care for.
The only thing I can say is be calm, try to SHOW her that you need her love and support (don't be helpless, but let her know nothing will ever take her place,) and try to introduce aspects of cheer she can identify with. If she's a "numbers" person, talk score sheets with her. A "medical" person, try to talk to her about the difference between rec and all-star injuries and why.
Bottom line, though, you knew the deal at the beginning. Sad, but she probably meant it.
Good luck, sweetie. Xoxo

I tend to agree with much of what's written here. As a soccer coach I've dealt with divorced parents where one parent was supportive and the other was not. (and in some cases outright hostile towards it) What I often realized in these cases was that the issue wasn't about soccer, but about something deeper.

 

[ronnoc0522]

Dont ever quite what you love to do..no matter what!! Stay strong!!

 

[PullandPray23]

Well if its the money thing: tell her look how much money you'll save her by not having to bail you outta jail because you'll always be at the gym ha ha
But in all honesty, explain to her cheer means a lot to you and it helps you stay in shape, and lets you learn values such as winning and losing (except if you a stingray..then its mostly winning haha ;) ) you learn to be accountable, and you learn to repsect your peers! and I mean Miley Cyrus was a cheerleader!!! (actually dont tell her that bahaha...I kid I kid! )
Well good luck in you endeavors and keep us posted!

 

[cheerleaderlauren2102]

Would you please if you could PM me the powerpoint? I would LOVE to see what it is, also I think this approach just may work on my mom!

Haha, I deleted it, sorry! Just state why you want to do it, the gains, etc. in the beginning. Let your mom see you MEAN it, and you did your research too! Then, it's imporant to bring up the financial stuff too, but gently. Keep reminding her what its for. Your mom could be supporting you, but she needs to know what she is signing up for (again). With my parents, it was always "did your dad pay his half? Because when he does, I'll pay" and it got very confusing and hard for my gym to keep up! It may sound repetitive, but if your mom knows this is your sport and what you want to do, she should give it a try. Message me if you need any help! :) Good Luck!

 

[ellen495]

Gosh - I just love watching my daughter cheer. I get great pleasure out of it. Does your mom come watch? Has she seen the joy?