To not send DD10 into sport day tomo..

[SchmortzDay]

For context, DD is very active - she plays for the local girls football club and is part of a swim team and gymnastics club. But she hates sports day with a passion and always seems to be assigned a ‘novelty’ race, which causes her anxiety and embarrassment. She’s asked to be in a normal activity and has been fobbed off 2 years in a row.

She doesn’t have time off ever, hardly ever unwell and I’ve never done something like this before, but given it’s also going to be 30°c here tomo afternoon, I’m inclined to make an exception and let her have a day off at home (‘sick’). She’s a good kid and hasn’t asked for the day off, but I know it would be very well received.

What’s the verdict MN’ers!?

Keep her home. Sports day is just not that big a deal. Nothing depends on it. No consequences arise from missing it. If she doesn't want to do it, why make her? No one cares.

Well, except those on here who seem to care on principle. But I don't think your kid needs to live up to strangers' principles.

I listen to my DD, and don't insist on her taking part in things that will humiliate her. As a consequence she has the resilience and confidence to win her school's public speaking competition, despite having a stammer. The speech she gave was about stammering.

She chose to take part, she chose her topic. I supported her 100%, and would have also insisted that she didn't have to take part.

Children build resilience by knowing they can opt out, but if they choose to take part someone has their back. They can try, and if they fall down it's OK. They can try again another day. Not by being forced to be humiliated