http://www.kidsahoy.net/ KidsAhoy.net: Your one-stop online portal for the Filipino Global child! en-us 2012-01-30T00:00:00+01:00 http://www.kidsahoy.net/content.asp?ContentId=1234 I, like more than a thousand mothers on Multiply, am part of a group called stagemoms. Being part of the group made me realize that there is nothing wrong with being a stagemom. We're all trying to raise superstars. You know my own daughter can end up being a school librarian but be a superstar at it. (OK, I'm not the showbiz kind of stagemom. :p). It's fun to be part of the group. There are a lot of grounded mothers out there. And there are, surprisingly, a lot of encouraging and inspiring people in the group too.

But in the two years that I have been interacting with different kinds of moms here on Multiply (not just in the stagemoms group) I noticed that some parents can be intensely competitive. There's nothing wrong with being competitive. I'm an underachiever so I really appreciate people who always put in a little more effort in all their endeavors than probably needed. But as stagemoms, we all have to evaluate as to what end we are joining (and dying or killing for) all these contests and activities. Are we doing all these to showcase our child's talents? Are we forcing our own dreams on our children? Is it for fun? Do we join contests so that our kids will gain confidence? Do we like the prizes we get from the contests? Do we want to show other parents that our children are better than theirs? Are we using the contests as stepping stones for a possible career in entertainment? Do we join contests and activities so that we and our children can meet other moms and kids with the same interests as ours? Do we want fame and fortune for our children so that someday we won't have to work our asses off? Personally, I wish Nicole would learn how to sing so that I wouldn't have to send her to college. I will be what Mang Gerry is to Regine. Hehe. I'm just kidding! Or am I? Tomorrow I'm purchasing a dram so that Nic can practice singing neck-deep in water.



Remember, we all need to do it for the right reasons. There is an art to it. If we do it the wrong way and for all the wrong reasons we may end up being negative forces in our children's lives instead of positive ones. It's probably a little hard to imagine or accept for some stagemoms but even with the best intentions, we CAN totally fuck up our kids' lives.

We just all have to CHILL and really think about it. If an activity ceases to be an enriching activity for you and your child then you should just forget about it and find other activities that are really worth your money and your time.

Being a stagemom should not be about YOU. It should be about your child.
Your child's life is his/her own journey.

Being a stagemom: Do it for the right reasons. Have fun with it.


Reposted with permission from Mommy Razz:
http://sweethopia.multiply.com/journal/item/319]]> Parenting 101 by Mommy Razz 2009-05-02T05:46:03+01:00