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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not send DD to sports day

23 replies

elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:08

Hi first time poster please be gentle ! AIBU to keep DD (8) home on sports day Monday ? She's part of the schools running club and injured her ankle recently. This year the school has decided all the children in each class should run a race (girls first, boys second) and the top 7 children from each race are to take part in sports day. All the children are expected to travel to a different school for this event and the children that weren't in the top 7 are supposed to sit and cheer their classmates on all day. I would be a bit put out even if she had been in the top 7 to have to travel to a different school, however I can see zero educational value in having my child sat outside all day cheering on 14 people from a class of 32. Some of the other mums feel the same. AIBU to want to keep her home ?

OP posts:
Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:16

I should also add even if my daughter had been chosen I certainly would not expect other students to be there to cheer for her I think family and where possible should be there and the other children should be excused.

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Hoppinggreen · 15/07/2016 18:19

Yes I think you are. She can't always be in the spotlight - She needs to support her classmates as well.

MollyTwo · 15/07/2016 18:19

Yabu and think you are teaching her to be selfish, that if she doesn't have something to gain then there's no point to support others.

minatiae · 15/07/2016 18:20

I'd keep her off. What's the point of a sports day if everyone isn't doing something?

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:20

Thank you I appreciate your honesty

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BalloonSlayer · 15/07/2016 18:20

Well I detest sports day and would be mightily relieved to have not been chosen, but to have to sit there as a cheerleading squad for the "special ones who are THE BEST at sport" would piss me off hugely.

PotteringAlong · 15/07/2016 18:21

Yes. What happened to "we're all in it together?". Can you really not see the value in supporting others? What does it teach your daughter if you say you're not top so you don't need to take part?

LadyLayLay · 15/07/2016 18:21

Agree with first two posters

Pooka · 15/07/2016 18:21

It's a school day. She should go. It's rotten that she cannot compete because she's hurt her ankle. But she should still go and cheer on her classmates. Sucks of sour grapes otherwise.

PerspicaciaTick · 15/07/2016 18:21

You are quite right, I've never heard of spectators travelling to support their teams. Whatever next? Coachloads of non-competitors spending their weekends criss-crossing the country every weekend?

jay55 · 15/07/2016 18:22

I'm sure she and her classmates will have a blast sitting chatting and cheering.

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:22

Thank you she is not a selfish child but she's so upset at not being able to take part I feel terrible making her go 😕

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SharonfromEON · 15/07/2016 18:25

I think YABU....My Ds (9) did sports day this week...Not the most athletic of children...Fell over hit his head hald way round the track cried the rest of the way round the track but finished supported by a teacher running by his side and all the parents and children cheering him on... Apart from my DS is sporting a great bruise now..I think a lot was learned about compassion and support... Not every lesson has to be how to add and take away.. I would also add there will be a lot of chatting going on.. What would you plan to do instead?

Dishevelled09 · 15/07/2016 18:26

I'd keep her off, she's only 8 fgs but I'd check if she wants to go for the social fun of cheering her mates on/ having a gossip let her go.Are there any other events that her school are taking part in?

MollyTwo · 15/07/2016 18:28

How would she feel if she was able to take part but none of her friends/ classmates were there to cheer her on? It is Quite selfish to only want to encourage her to stay at home.

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:29

Not much really I just think it's so unfair on the children not competing ( not just mine !) that they should have to go I don't know what age self-doubt kicks in but this must be a killer. Also I get that they should support each other all the kids have been together since nursery but surely everyone should be given something to do ?

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IAmNotAMindReader · 15/07/2016 18:29

YABU at my Ds's school those who can't participate have other responsibilities such as keeping note of finishing places and setting out courses. It teaches them to support their peers.
I'd say there was great educational value to be had there.

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 18:34

I don't know if this helps convey my feelings but she is part of a running club but she always places last she tries so hard but she enjoys it I don't know why they couldn't keep it to everyone has a go ! She would at least have enjoyed herself 😕

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WutheringTights · 15/07/2016 19:03

Going slightly against the flow here but I think it's appalling that not everyone is competing. It's teaching kids that sport is only for those who are good at it when everyone is able to compete at some level, even if only for enjoyment. Not only that, but physical activity and fitness is vital for good health. Schools should not be telling children that they are good only for spectating. I'd be complaining, not just keeping her off.

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 19:04

😊

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amy85 · 15/07/2016 19:09

Are you sure this is for sports day and not some school athletics event?

Have you spoken to her teacher about it?

Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 19:13

I'm sure it's just for sports day she didn't even receive a letter about it only the chosen few did the rest of us had to settle for a text saying when and where and asking for a packed lunch and a raincoat to be brought 😳

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Original poster
elliehopemum · 15/07/2016 19:14

I only received the message today and the sports day is Monday its too late to speak to anyone about it which is why I suspect they sent it so late.

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