Advice needed from parents with kids in elite sport regarding other parents

[Homeontherangeuk]

My dd is nearly 9 & has been accepted onto an elite gymnastics programme & moved to the top junior squad in her club.. So basically since that happened I've had friends requests on fb & insta from parents of other gymnasts in her age group from around the uk.. I would only know these parents to smile & say hi at at comps... Now I'm getting private messages asking what comps dd is planning to attend etc & I'm like wtf... Another mom I wouldn't know also followed me on insta & messaged to say she was delighted for dd progressing so quickly, so well deserved etc but another child didn't deserve her placing as she's always over marked... Wtf... Please experienced sports or dance parents advice me on the best practice regarding protecting my child & me from gossip & also politely steering clear of thes mom's...

Oh yes, - vague it needs to be!

Hey Hon, saw x on your clubs insta today, she's in great for, did it take her long to get that new skill? Will she be brave enough to do at the weekend? She's brilliant!
The vague answer you need to that sort of thing is:
"Hi there, thank you, I don't know where she gets it from, not me lol. How is y coming along, will you be there?"

@MustardRose

Oh yes, - vague it needs to be!

Hey Hon, saw x on your clubs insta today, she's in great for, did it take her long to get that new skill? Will she be brave enough to do at the weekend? She's brilliant!
The vague answer you need to that sort of thing is:
"Hi there, thank you, I don't know where she gets it from, not me lol. How is y coming along, will you be there?"

Yep agree with this response.

I always try and avoid alienating other parents (you may become reliant on their support in the future) but also avoid answering any direct questions.

You can engaging without completing engaging.

Thanks yes I got another message this morning enquiring about dd, acting like we were bffs then saying did you hear x another child in the age group is moving gyms? I hadn't a clue & I don't care so I replied no I didn't & left it at that

Just urghhhhh

Long may you bat it off!

It's amazing how many children will drop out at 11/14 or 16 from elite sport

Remember this as well. Don’t get super invested in any of it before the pubertal growth spurt and stay away from parents who do.

I've just answered on your other post...

SE13mummy thank you, I'll have a read now. I'm going to be friendly & keep all at arms length!

@SpringBluebellWoods

My dd is on the fringes of this. I choose that she has no social media, and I don’t put her on mine other than the odd holiday snap. I know some parents curate their dd’s social media as part of their career aspirations - I personally won’t engage with that. Would you find it easier just not to have anything about her gym on your social media?

I don't have anything really on my social media, the club share results & videos... I'd reshare from time to time (the odd proud mummy moment ☺️) but not always... My social media content is very old & boring so they're not finding out much by following me... They're contacting me privately for chats...

An advanced search led me to this thread. Great advice. I'm dreading my dd's comp this afternoon. Can't sleep, the thoughts of the bitchiness, tension & frenemies are awful for my anxiety 😭