tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post1740263981940372293..comments2023-07-22T04:25:04.122-05:00Comments on Not Quite What I Had Planned: The real reason parents attack one another with baseball bats during sports gamesKristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325715096763265816noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-89881904180948718862008-05-19T14:00:00.000-05:002008-05-19T14:00:00.000-05:00That is an AWESOME idea and gesture. I'll hold on...That is an AWESOME idea and gesture. I'll hold onto that so when Sofia is old enough to be in groups and stuff, I may use it.<BR/><BR/>And really? Poor Brayden. Hard to get your feet wet when the other kids don't even want to be in the pool. I hope she still managaed to have fun, and perhaps is either ready for a different league next year or a different activity? <BR/>And actually, good for Brayden, and good for you for having made all the practices and games. Why be in a league if you really don't want to be?Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02904929372220705247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-67678227431694295972008-05-19T12:47:00.000-05:002008-05-19T12:47:00.000-05:00My husband coached pee wee football and baseball f...My husband coached pee wee football and baseball for almost 9 years in a row. The first day of practice in his welcome speech he would tell the parents to not "ground" the kids from practice. He told them to bring them to practice and to tell him that they were in trouble and he would make them run extra laps, do push ups etc. Of course, you would still have the occasional parent who wouldn't follow up on his offer and the team would suffer. Your story brought back so many memories of some of the times that we had. Great job on the photo albums. For all the parents that don't appreciate all your hard work I am sure that there are more that really do appreciate it! Pictures are my favorite gift!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-63894222605081354112008-05-19T12:30:00.000-05:002008-05-19T12:30:00.000-05:00I have to tell you that I "encourage" (STRONGLY!) ...I have to tell you that I "encourage" (STRONGLY!) my kids in independent sports like gymnastics and swimming. Then, they don't have to be let down by parents (because it's really about their commitment, isn't it?) who don't show up each week.<BR/><BR/>Of course, we have also done the baseball, soccer and kickball (which was so much fun, actually!) but have came back to the idividual sports time and time again.<BR/><BR/>I am really hoping my 4 year old will take up golf:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-59776912501996997262008-05-19T09:06:00.000-05:002008-05-19T09:06:00.000-05:00I hope you gave him that book. Please write and l...I hope you gave him that book. Please write and let us know. I would have felt horrible if I had been him. Some parents totally amaze me. It makes you realize why kids grow up the way they do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-70203572565652116802008-05-19T08:14:00.000-05:002008-05-19T08:14:00.000-05:00We have had the EXACT same problem with baseball t...We have had the EXACT same problem with baseball this year! We have had to forfeit at least 3 games due to parents just not showing up, as well as the whole not-showing-up-for-practice problem. It is so frustrating when we have been to every single game and practice and have to drive across town and then be told we have to forfeit. We also had the same talk about team responsibility. And the coach does NOTHING to promote team spirit or excitement-nothing. He actually speaks very little to anyone.<BR/><BR/>Also, we have one player, a girl, who so does not want to be on the field. The ball will land ten feet in front of her and she will stand there, look around, casually stroll up to the ball, and half-heartedly fling it to first base. AARRGH! And her parents don't say a word. <BR/><BR/>Needless to say, we have yet to win a game this year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-47312401438565275622008-05-19T08:01:00.000-05:002008-05-19T08:01:00.000-05:00Did the rest of the girls finally show up?Did the rest of the girls finally show up?Sandy Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06967103819573187075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-29873429757564600112008-05-19T07:44:00.000-05:002008-05-19T07:44:00.000-05:00This is so incredibly nice of you. I don't, howev...This is so incredibly nice of you. I don't, however, think that man deserved his!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-40260364058360740252008-05-18T17:43:00.000-05:002008-05-18T17:43:00.000-05:00As a parent and person who runs an organized compe...As a parent and person who runs an organized competitive youth organization (indoor color guard), THANK YOU for understanding that grounding hurts the team!! My philosophy on folks who do it and keep their kids out of sports, band, etc. is that it's because it makes the parent's life easier. It's takes work to punish a child in a way that makes it meaningful to them so they won't make the same mistakes again. The folks like that dad are just happy they have one less stop on the "Mom's Taxi" route that week. So, here's a big old "good for you"!!<BR/><BR/>I do something similar with the photos for my kids in my groups. Each year, they get a photo collage of pics from all season long. There are group shots, funny shots, and at least one individual shot of every child. I have them printed and put them in an inexpensive frame, and they LOVE them. I've had random kids I didn't know come up and talk to me at events, and they say, "Oh......I know you from so-and-so's collage pictures. I go to college with her and she has them all in her room!" <BR/><BR/>Thanks for giving your kids and so many others wonderful memories!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-20291444783165438552008-05-18T16:23:00.000-05:002008-05-18T16:23:00.000-05:00Kristie, count me in with those who do not agree w...Kristie, count me in with those who do not agree with grounding a child from team sports. Although, to be honest, it worked in our favor. My 12 yo son hated winter lacrosse, whined about practices, everyone on the team "hated" him, wanted to quit, and we wouldn't let him...gave him the whole "you're part of a team" lecture, not to mention the $300 we had spent on equipment! Then the boy who played goalie *was grounded for the last two games, my son filled in at goalie, with a borrowed stick. He LOVED it, and wanted to play another season! He played spring lacrosse He is still learning, and wasn't very good, to be honest, but ::::shhh:::: neither was his team. Granted, 11 out of 15 boys had never played before, so they had a lot to learn, and they improved quite a bit through the season but he loved it and wants to play again next winter. And we had to shell out another $300 for goalie equipment! <BR/><BR/>As for the photos, the photo albums are a great keepsake. I was the "team photographer" for my dd's U10 spring team. I put together a dvd of pictures I took at the games. I put in 10 pictures of each girl where they were the focus, a picture of each of the coaches, and another 60-70 team shots. It was easy to do with iMovie and my iMac. I put in music, transitions, and a few effects. It took many hours, mostly because my mac is new and I had to learn the program, but I think it turned out pretty good! We'll premier it at the team party in 2 weeks, and I have burned a copy for each girl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-40192223070645940702008-05-18T16:17:00.000-05:002008-05-18T16:17:00.000-05:00O.K. we are mean parents too and would not let our...O.K. we are mean parents too and would not let our kids stay just anywhere. I have had way to many stories from friends with older children telling me what they wished they would have done differently. You can imagine that was on the top of the list. So, we listened and so far it has not bitten us in the butt! Now, as for the dad in question. Seriously, why did you not just give him the picture book laced with a little sarcasm and say something witty. Like, "hey, here are some pictures of your daughter and her sorry soccer season." etc. . . That drives me nuts. I especially LOVE it when some other nut job parent wants to live vicarously through his/her child and screams like a fool. It gives me extra tingles when they feel privy to yelling at my child! Thank the Lord that soccer does not go on forever and ever. I need the break more than the kids do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-56277409499593596702008-05-18T15:55:00.000-05:002008-05-18T15:55:00.000-05:00I mean, it does to me.....never mind. Go Kristie!...I mean, it does to me.....never mind. Go Kristie!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-45936830713453345102008-05-18T15:53:00.000-05:002008-05-18T15:53:00.000-05:00You're not spineless - you have class. And the ot...You're not spineless - you have class. And the other parent DOES NOT. I would have done what you did - although, I probably would not have been so generous as to have taken pictures and made copies/books at my own expense for all of the other children. And, I would've been inwardly fuming and wishing that I could say something as well. But, you took the high road and you were generous to boot. Makes you the better person....one of the reasons I read you so faithfully. I'm proud of you! (not that my pride in you should matter, but it does).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-76725123486269610812008-05-18T15:11:00.000-05:002008-05-18T15:11:00.000-05:00I can't believe the nerve of some people. I really...I can't believe the nerve of some people. I really think you were right on about the commitment issues and not making the other children suffer b/c of something your child did to get in trouble. We do the same thing in our family. We don't skip out on gymnastics just b/c she doesn't "feel like going today and its beautiful" outside either. That doesn't cut it with me. Guess Brayden will be playing on the same league with the other two next year, huh? Then you will have lots more kids to make books for, not just the 4. I am thinking of stealing your idea for gymnastics. We only have 14 girls on our level so that would be easier on me. Plus, we only have 7 meets. Sometimes the gymnasts do really good and mama forgets her camera that particular meet. That would be a really nice thing to do. Thanks for the idea!! I love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-79921118499402721832008-05-18T14:39:00.000-05:002008-05-18T14:39:00.000-05:00i am an expert soccer mom (LOL) so I know how to a...i am an expert soccer mom (LOL) so I know how to address everything! Just kidding, but having 3 kids play soccer I feel like I know everything.<BR/><BR/>There are times when class is shown by the other team. Ie, (get prepared for a long story) Alex's team was in the 6th bracket(bottom) and played a team that should have been in the first bracket. Of course our team got stomped. My Alex (goalie) played incredibly well, but - the other team had so much class that they came over and congratulated her after the game. (I think it was 11-1, Alex saved at least twenty. *dramatically*<BR/>I guess that the sport is about good winners, and good losers. And it is also about the parents being good sports!<BR/>Pam<BR/>www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexporterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-49495374570658030362008-05-18T13:53:00.000-05:002008-05-18T13:53:00.000-05:00I can't give you enough credit that you deserve fo...I can't give you enough credit that you deserve for putting those albums together. I myself take LOTS of pictures and know how much work it is to upload, print, download, organize, crop, etc and that's for only my 1 daughter. I would be THRILLED beyond words to receive something like that at the end of the season and I'm sure most parents are more than appreciative which makes it all worth while. I agree with you on the grounding for team events. Mostly I agree with about everything you talk about so no different here. Keep up the great work and always look forward to your life stories (you have a way with words).<BR/><BR/>Vicki - MichiganVickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15167695616883335018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-75941681419462449532008-05-18T12:48:00.000-05:002008-05-18T12:48:00.000-05:00OMG! You think just like I do! No wonder I love ...OMG! You think just like I do! No wonder I love your blog....well that's one more reason anyway! <BR/><BR/>Where shall I send the Mother of the Year crown? You really do deserve it!<BR/><BR/>DixieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-59404478750781034742008-05-18T12:17:00.000-05:002008-05-18T12:17:00.000-05:00I'm right there with you about spending the night ...I'm right there with you about spending the night out Kristie.... at her kindegarten graduation, one of the moms asked if my five-year old daughter could sleep at her house. Mind you, she wasn't one of the three other moms who were involved in class parties, etc., so I never saw her before. I was a little taken aback, especially because she asked in the presence of my daughter, who was quite upset when I had to tell her no.... what a moron this lady was.... As for the soccer dad, well, he sounds like a moron too! I sure wish that my girl was on one of your kids' teams, I would so, TOTALLY love if another parent made a book like that for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-70239373470106214152008-05-18T11:15:00.000-05:002008-05-18T11:15:00.000-05:00Kristie you are an amazing mom. That you take the...Kristie you are an amazing mom. That you take the time to make these books for the other teammates - well I am entirely impressed. That just shows how much you care about your kids, their activities. If my kid was on your team I would be thrilled to be able to share in one of those photo books! <BR/><BR/>And about grounding and sports practices. We would never have our kids miss a practice because of grounding - kids need the physical activity as well as to learn to follow through with a commitment. There are so many other ways to follow through on grounding - like no tv - no video games - etc. It's too bad there are some misguided parents out there in this world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-5666175286398467042008-05-18T10:48:00.000-05:002008-05-18T10:48:00.000-05:00Hey Kristie,That is too bad about the kids not sho...Hey Kristie,<BR/><BR/>That is too bad about the kids not showing up for the team sports. My daughter dances competitively, she is 16 and very committed, they dance at least 20 hours per week and have a couple of girls who are not committed, they are only dancing because their parents won't let them stop dance so they don't show up for competition or they just don't know what they are doing, because they don't come to the classes and it really is frustrating for the rest of the girls. The sad thing is that these parents laugh and think it is funny that their kids don't know the dance or that they don't show up for competition.<BR/><BR/>Wait to see what a "mean parent" you are when you get to the teen years and your kids friends are ALLOWED to drink at 16, and you tell your kids absolutely not, their parents actually don't have a problem with that!!! I have had to deal with that with both of my daughters and to be honest with you I find it quite shocking. So stick to your guns, it will pay off in the long run.<BR/><BR/>I tell my kids it is easier to be a parent who doesn't care than to be a parent who wants to do right by their children.<BR/><BR/>Have a great day!<BR/><BR/>CathyCAThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10819478333691678432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-684245063761953992008-05-18T10:20:00.000-05:002008-05-18T10:20:00.000-05:00Wow! Some people are unbelievable! My youngest pl...Wow! Some people are unbelievable! My youngest plays flag football and we played a team that didn't show up and play us - twice! Coach didn't show, team didn't show they obviously informed each other but not the league because we were all there with the refs! <BR/><BR/>I do those photo books too except I give them to the coaches. I take a lot of time making sure every kid is included and they are good pictures blah blah blah. I never thought about doing it for the kids - not a bad idea at all!jbajhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05584985632896007253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-7375448022050888222008-05-18T08:32:00.000-05:002008-05-18T08:32:00.000-05:00grrrrr... oh my gosh that would have pissed me off...grrrrr... oh my gosh that would have pissed me off sooo bad. The boys team isnt that good either but you know what its so cute to see these boys try our 1st game looked like the bad news bears. the photos is a great idea...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-52774711578494823112008-05-18T07:36:00.000-05:002008-05-18T07:36:00.000-05:00Kristie, I agree with you on not grounding kids fr...Kristie, <BR/>I agree with you on not grounding kids from sports events when they are on a team. I did the same thing with my girls. Once you sign up, you've made a committment and your teammates are relying on you to be there. Just trying to teach responsibility and committment, and all of that stuff. My youngest had two seasons that she had injuries that kept her from playing part of the season of softball (broken elbow running track and broken thumb playing catcher on the softball team) and she was still there for every practice and every game. (OK, so mostly she sat there and fumed that she couldn't play and complained that the girl that replaced her behind the plate didn't do as good a job at catching as she did, but still, she was THERE.)<BR/>And as for the memory books, wow, I would be so impressed if someone had done that for my girls and their teams! <BR/><BR/>Sherri in NCSherrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07332299273172849376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-79137190092344978222008-05-18T07:04:00.000-05:002008-05-18T07:04:00.000-05:00You can let Brayden know that she will have to tal...You can let Brayden know that she will have to talk to my thirteen year old about passing the "meanest parents in the world" award over to you guys!<BR/><BR/>Bravo to you for putting together the memory books, this is a very nice gesture and really it is for the children, not the parents and someday they just might appreciate it!Amy @ Six Flower Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09204011203600239829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-25008946939581119912008-05-18T03:00:00.000-05:002008-05-18T03:00:00.000-05:00shit! Can i go back in time and kick that guy in t...shit! Can i go back in time and kick that guy in the nuts? no? too bad...MonkeyBusinesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09547460016103234337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-304389596380085262008-05-18T02:23:00.000-05:002008-05-18T02:23:00.000-05:00I know 3 comments in a row! This will be my last- ...I know 3 comments in a row! This will be my last- I promise. <BR/><BR/>But what did you ever decide to do about the funeral situation? I was just reading your older posts, and was wondering if you made a donation in her name, or sent flowers, or any of the other great ideas that other people suggested.Monica Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14767867041043811045noreply@blogger.com