Dear Heather,
My 9-year-old daughter has recently joined cheer. She absolutely loves being part of this and has expressed only good about the experience. Recently, at a parent meeting, we were made aware of the possibility of the girls competing in regionals. This means a long weekend in Las Vegas, where the girls will compete. The parents were told that the expectation is for all the girls to stay in the same hotel rooms under the supervision of the coaches and directors. The parents can choose to stay at the same hotel, but the kids are to stay in separate rooms with each other.
I know I may seem overprotective, but I am uncomfortable allowing my 9-year-old daughter to participate under these expectations. From all I’ve witnessed, the coaches and staff seem like truly wonderful people, but ultimately, I don’t really know them. Do you think I’m being unreasonable?
Sincerely, Protective Parent
Dear Protective Parent,
From the day you became a parent, it is your job to protect and watch over your child. It is your responsibility and privilege to make sure your children are in a safe environment and being cared for by trusted adults in your absence. Trust takes time to build, it doesn’t happen overnight or because someone “seems like a good person”. I don’t think you are in the wrong at all by ensuring that your child is safe. It is my belief that we should always go with our gut or trust our instincts. If you aren’t comfortable allowing your child to participate, you shouldn’t. You can find out if your daughter can still participate without staying or just wait until she is older. There will be plenty of “Mom, can I” moments in the future, so don’t beat yourself up for being careful, after all, it is your job!
Yours, Heather
