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I have 4 kids... 2 boys and 2 girls. The boys are older and have been playing sports. My oldest daughter is just now getting to an age where she can participate in sports. The problem is... I am not very interested or excited about her sports as I was with my boys. Meaning, I don't care what sports they play, I don't care if they are any good, etc. So it's difficult to act like I am interested. I feel like she can see right through me...
Is this a natural feeling with a father that has both boys and girls? I realize this is a double standard and I am struggling with how to get past it. I have never been one to downplay women's sports either, so this feeling is really puzzling me.
Anyone else go through this themselves, a relative, spouse, friend, or even parent?
It could be you are also just plain tuckered out too. One of my friends sisters got into sports hardcore, and the parents were always there helping out, cheering them on. But by the time my friend *a boy* got into them they were just like "meh". Could that be in you think?
I've seen it with my friend but she is not as aware if it as you are. It's not a boy/girl thing though - she has two boys.
First son was a very good athlete; Parents extremely involved; etc. First son graduate and goes to college and to play his sport.
Second son is not as good. He doesn't make the varsity team his junior year. Mom loses interest and resents the time attending all the games takes.
I saw two things ~ one being that she was worn out after doing everything for first son, while working FT. The second being that it was not as fun when her second son was not the star. Not only not the star - but not really a good player.
Dad was even worse about attending second son's games.
It could be you are also just plain tuckered out too. One of my friends sisters got into sports hardcore, and the parents were always there helping out, cheering them on. But by the time my friend *a boy* got into them they were just like "meh". Could that be in you think?
This is what I was thinking too... By the time one gets to child #3, boy or girl, some of the enthusiasm may have died down.
It could be you are also just plain tuckered out too. One of my friends sisters got into sports hardcore, and the parents were always there helping out, cheering them on. But by the time my friend *a boy* got into them they were just like "meh". Could that be in you think?
I never thought about this actually but this is possible... Especially because there is a huge age difference between my oldest son and my next son. So I had a chance to go through the excitement of my older son... and then get reinvigorated with my 2nd son. And maybe I'm having a hard time recreating that excitement again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucidkitty
Also could it be you felt more connected because you played the sports they did?
I was thinking this is more the genesis of the feeling though... I am a huge football fan. And I played in college so its feeds a lot of my energy of watching my sons play it. My son's also compete in Karate, Baseball, and Basketball too. Other sports that I am deeply passionate about. Where my daughter is in gymnastics, soccer, and I'm sure eventually she will play Volleyball (my wife played and coaches at the club level)... those are sports I am just not into. Although I would love for my girls to play tennis. I love tennis.
The other thing I have been considering is the fact that the competition aspect has not kicked it with daughtesr yet. Maybe when she they get older and and the competition is more fierce I may get into it then...
I hate to say it but I really prefer my daughters just take dance and play instruments or something. I don't care to see them compete. And I don't expect them to have that instinct of wanting to win like my boys. I see them more as dainty girls... Why? I cannot explain... because my wife is very athletic and loves to compete. So its very weird...
I'm just kinda lost on it. Having a hard time trying to articulate it. Ultimately I just do not want to cheat my girl's experiences and I don't want to be the parent who did not push them to their potential... that's all.
Yea, I better learn how to appreciate other sports in the next few years...
Thanks for the kind words... I'm just realizing how flawed my feelings are in this. I'd rather ask for help than do nothing.
yes yes YES!! Go out on the volley ball bleachers with a painted face, and a sign . Of course then they might not want you to cheer them on.
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. Of course then they might not want you to cheer them on.
