Not really a thread about a thread, but a bit...

[Catnao]

My son is never going to set the world alight academically. He is really good at sport and is recognised as such (plays some sports at county level, and football at academy level). Getting a bit pissed of with mums of (always it seems) academically gifted children being cross about kids being "always picked" or "geeky son missed out for sports thing"
Can't our non academic but good at other stuff children, who find school a battle be good too? (Prepares for flaming)

can bright kids not do sport then? is it impossible to be good in all areas?

or rowers who are really good chefs

I'm a bit pissed off with children (mine) who aren't good at anything at all. Just fairly mediocre at most things and a bit crap at others. They are never going to be best at anything.

Actually I don't care thatmuch - I'd like them both to be happy (achieved with DD1, working on DD2)

YABU. You seem to have a low opinion of academic children. Your son is good at something, so you say. This IS recognised if he plays competatively. So be pleased.

See, I knew that would go down badly, and it WAS an ill thought out post, so I'm sorry. Of course bright children can be all rounders and good at sports as well - but it sometimes feels like sporty stuff is less well regarded. Geeky I only used as I had seen it used on here in a positive way. Apologise for any offence.

Oh - and good on you AtYourCervix - my son is not THAT great at anything either, as I hope OP made clear.

Shit, that souded wrong too! I mean - I have no stupid ideas that because he is good at primary level he's going to be the next Wayne Rooney or something!

I do think some children let their sport take over their life when they should be spending more time on their studies.

As for teams, the best should be picked regardless of their academic levels.

I would actually say the opposite Catnao. I think children who are good at sports are more recognised than those who are academically bright. I think people are more willing to accept and praise children who are good at football/swimming/whatever whereas if anyone is good at reading/writing/any academic subject other parents are more critical or more inclined to make snidey comments about it.

I really disagree! I was a very "able" child (if mumsnet had been invented, my mum would have been hoop la hoop with three of hers!) Thing is, non academic children are often looked down on - try primary ed thread and reading level worries...

But I know I posted in AIBU and am prepared for differing opinions.

I think if you're really good at anything, child or adult, you are very lucky and should just enjoy that.

I speak as the mother of boys who are average in every way except their gorgeousness. And as an adult who does nothing particularly well but who still manages to have a lovely life.

Agree, mordechai, I think have been reading too much mumsnet again!

God, when I was at school being academic and enjoying learning were social suicide. All the cool kids were very busy trying to get on to the sports teams and pretending that they never did their homework.

Everyone is differently intellegent. Sadly some people are intellegent in all areas. Thems the breaks.

I don't agree with parents being like those described in your OP either, no adult should begrudge a child a chance to be recognised for something they are good at.

But, as a parent of one very academic child, and one very average child, it does very much seem like the sporty children are given by far the most chance to publicly shine for their achievement. By public, I mean in front of the whole school, or at sports day where all the teachers and parents are aware who the best ones are.

Sporty children get the chance to play against other school's teams, will stand out as being good in PE lessons, get to be first in sports day races. There is no such equivelant for academic children. The class may know who the brightest children are, but they rarely get a little moment of glory in recognition for their achievement.

My average child will never be the top of his class academically or in terms of sport, so he will never get any of that recognition for anything. He is very good at being kind and helping the other children in his class, and while he gets a little praise from the teacher and me for that, he won't have a time where he is singled out and allowed to shine for his strengths. But he deserves that every bit as much as any other child.

The schools should work harder to celebrate every childs achievements, and give them positive recognition so they all get to have their time in the spotlight.

Have to say I agree with bubbleymummy and curlymama that children how are good at sports are celebrated in a more obvious way.

At our school one of the Yr 4 leavers are given the best sporting personality trophy each year, no mention of academic subjects at all. Mind you the award doesn't necessarily go to the child that scores the most goals/tries/runs etc. It could be for the best team player. However, it has always been awarded to boys to my knowledge - and that's a whole different thread.