Replies to '12/27 Extreme Parenting'

The kid doesn't WANT to do cheers!!!  He wants to do other sports like basketball.  If the kid actually wanted to, there wouldn't be a problem, but he DOES NOT want to do it.  This mom started him when he was 1 1/2 years old.  The kid wasn't old enough to choose to do it, his mom just got him in it.  Now she is FORCING him to go out for cheers.  And here's something I don't get:  she is making him do it so he can get a scolorship?  How many cheerleaders get scholorships?  And if they do, I garentee it's not for very much.  How about pushing your kid to do well in school?  He will get so much farther!  Not only does he have the chance of getting a scholorship, but with his education, he could get a well paying job and be able to support himself and a family and take care of his parents when they are older.  I don't have a problem with boy cheerleaders, and it's not exactly feminine, but its not something too many guys do.  I know it takes lots of strength and all, but you'd build a lot more muscle and become stronger and quicker by doing an active sport.  Don't start flaming me because it's just a fact.  Cheerleading is a strength activity, not much cardiovascular endurance in it.  Most sports take strength, flexibility, AND cardiovascular strength/endurance.  It can be beneficial, don't get me wrong, but I just think that if your looking for something that will get you in shape and make you strong, there are some better things to go for.  If you like cheering, go for it!  Do something you have fun with, but this boy DOESN'T have fun with it, so quit forcing him to do it!  The dad worries about him 'turning gay,' I would worry more about him getting depression because he doesn't feel he can do what he wants to do.