Yes, I am a cheer mom...and?????

I have a confession to make. I am a Cheer Mom.. It hit me yesterday when the doctor said my daughter could have mono. The first thought that ran through my head was, "I hate it when my children are sick!" I will be honest...it was immediately followed by, "Oh man..how much practice will she miss?!" 


Cheer moms seem to have a bit of a rap...especially us All-Star moms!  Are we all over the top, overweight women who "wanted" to be cheerleaders? My answer is no! Most of the women I have been fortunate to meet over the last few months are moms just like me. Their child has found something they love to do and they are supporting it! If you see me on a daily basis you know I am the pony tail sporting, casual clothes kind of mom. Right now I am at the ball field or the gym with one of my kids....I have no desire to dress to the "max" when I am going to be a sweaty, dusty mess! I am a happy jean and sweatshirt wearing mom on most days. 


Am I a "wanna be"? I did cheerleading, gymnastics and other sports when my body was much younger. ;) I have been there, done that, I am old...and now I get to watch. OK, I will admit it....I went out for cheerleading one year because I had my eye on a really cute football player...and it worked. :0)


Am I pushing my child to hit the gym multiple nights a week to get that all important "JACKET"?! My crystal ball says the only jacket she will be getting in the near future is the one I run out to the mall to buy for fall when the weather gets cooler. She is wailing today wanting to know when she can get back to the gym actually. She wants to support her team, even if she is just sitting. I must say I am proud of her for that. 


Am I putting my child in suggestive clothing, too much makeup and fake hair to improve her self esteem....to make her have an over inflated ego that will blow up in her face? Lord, I hope not! She wears a full top, and shows little skin in comparison to some girls I see at the mall. As far as the makeup and hair goes...well it is just fun! She has enough self esteem and attitude for the both of  us, the last thing I need to do is give her more! 


The bottom line is this. Both of my children have picked activities that they love. They both work equally hard at becoming the best they can be. They work their tails off!  I support them both equally. I learn all I can about what they are doing. That is my responsibility as a mom! If it is the chess team tomorrow...then watch out. Here I come! Do I get to make banners, and bling out hair ribbons for the chess team?