Parenting Question (Sports, Small Kids)

Consolation
Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:16:03 +0000

I have to say that I am really bothered by the idea of a girl’s athletic endeavors being circumscribed because of someone’s perception that shorts on an athlete are sexually provocative.

OP, my S was good friends in HS with a number of kids from two very religious conservative families, all of whom ran track and participated in other sports. The daughter ran track, played soccer too, and wore the usual shorts and tank, although when not attired for sports she dressed modestly in longish skirts and sleeves. Apparently her family was able to distinguish between athletic wear and provocation. I hope your husband comes to this understanding in time.

I see that you are struggling with this, and understand your concern about setting her up for disappointment. (I also have been appalled for many years about the sexualization of young girls in our society.)

BTW, fencing is a great sport, and there are fencing studios where grade school kids can learn and have fun. In addition, fencing appeals to the romantics among us. In college, virtually everyone on the fencing team was an English major with an active imagination! :)