OPINION POLL: CHEERLEADING - Would You Let Your Child Train for Cheerleading?

OK, here are my thoughts, do competative cheerleading, not a youth association. I think that the youth association groups are the "typical" cheerleading types, promoting popularity and self absorbance. The Competative cheerleaders are more about the skill and fun. It does cost more and there are more trips, but she will not be tied to it at school. My friend used to go to Cheertyme, but has since changed gyms due to the cost. You have to remember that my daughter is way too young, so this is not from personal experiance, but I have seen my neice do the Youth association cheerleading until she did not "fit" their type, and my friends daughter excell at it and have fun. If my daughter does want to do cheerleading and I can afford it, it will be the competative track until she gets old enough to choose what she wants.

I also have a 4 1/2 year old girl who loves everything pink and sparkly. Deciding about something like cheerleading is very tough.

My concerns don't come so much from the "Christian" values aspect, as I believe any group can work with good or bad values, it depends on the people in the group.

What I am worried about is cheerleading from a more feminist perspective. Yes, it has become a sport in its own right, but there is still much about cheerleading that is focused on girls supporting boys, on a superficial image/beauty and on dressing sexy.

I let my daughter wear every pink and sparkly crown she can find, but cheerleading at age 4 is something I don't think is appropriate. I would prefer a sport with more focus on the athletic skills and with attire that is designed for best performance in the sport. We have done ballet, tap dance, gymnastics, swimming, and ice skating (only one activity at a time).

I'm also not sure how much cheerleading at age 4 is athletic. I would check out that part of it, as well. For a lot that I've seen at that age, it's about dressing up, giggling, and doing the chants -- and that's something that a group of girls can do in my backyard for a lot less money and less stress on my part. We have a 10-year old neighbor and she and my daughter have a lot of fun doing their own cheers and moves.

Personally, I'd put your daughter in a good gymnastics and/or dance class for now. If she wants to translate that into cheerleading later as a sport, reevaluate then. (This is what I'm doing with my own daughter, BTW.)

I was a cheerleader from the time I was four years old. I loved it. IT is a sport, and it seems like all major female athletes are predisposed to some kind of eating disorder.

Cheerleaders have a bad reputation for being promiscuous - I think it's a personal thing, though. On the high school level you're something of a minor celebrity... some people take advantage of it.

S.

Absolutely!

Cheerleading builds self confidence...performing and speaking in front of others which will help her when she gets in the job world later in life.

Just make sure that the squad does not do "Madonna" type moves. If so, remove her immediately. Good luck. You sound like an awesome mom!

Cheerleading squads need more girls like your sweet daughter. She may end up being a very positive influences on other girls:)

I was a cheerleader, but not a stereotypical cheerleader. Any group, organized or not, is going to have the potential for "messing up" a good kid (blah!!). It is all about how confident your daughter is in herself and her values. I have a feeling if the group of girls around her is consistently going against those values, your daughter will lose interest. I hope not though...cheerleading CAN be an excellent way to promote fitness, teamwork, pride in your school, and leadership.

Since cheerleaders are often stereotyped, I'm going to stereotype the person who made the comment about messing up your daughter as someone who either didn't make cheerleader and was jealous, or someone who was the victim of a nasty catty girl comment...that girl being a cheerleader. Again, there are plenty of mean teen/pre-teen girls who are not a member of anything. I say give it a go if your daughter loves it so, and keep teaching her how to be a good strong person.

Good luck, go team!

Before signing her up, I would check out what the squad looks like, what they wear, how much makeup they put on these little girls and what kind of dances are they doing. Check everything out before sign her up. If YOU don't like what you see walk away.

An idea....
My daughter did cheerleading last summer through our church in the Upward program. It was so much fun for her! It is Chritian based and while they learn cheers and stuff they were also learning Bible verse.
I hope this helps!

J.

When I first read your post yesterday I waited to reply; you have gotten some great advice. I am in the same boat I have 2 that want to do cheerleading and I do not like a lot of things about some of the squads that I see. I think that we are going to try Upwards Cheerleading this fall. It is a Christian based program so I am hoping things like make-up wearing and skimpy outfits will not be a part of the deal. However there are some "attitudes" that can be present in cheerleading that I do not like either and if they display those then no more CL. I am just as concerned about it as you and I think that if we do our jobs right as parents then our children reflect that and I pray that the morals and values that I have taught my girls are seen in their actions and that they reflect what we believe and not what the media and society deem acceptable. I hope this helps. Oh ... and by the way I was shocked that the movie Hairspray was PG so that ought to tell you something about how I raise my kids.

I guess my perspective as a parent is quite different from most...if my child has interest in something, I believe in letting them explore their interest with my supervision. Anything, any sport, any extra curricular activity can get out of hand - IF YOU LET IT! That's the key - you are the parent and therefore in control of your 4 year old's path. I don't think that your Christian values, sense of feminism, etc should even come into play as you will be there watching her as she learns about what it is that she likes. I have 2 and soon to be 3 boys...as much as there are sports that I would prefer them not to play (football namely) I would never tell my child that he can't try it, unless I see it is doing him harm. Let her try it and then make a judgement as to whether it is a good activity for her.

Your daughter is young, and I don't see it hurting. I did however teach at a junior high school for the past 7 years and I didn't like the type of girls I saw that were cheerleaders. It's a group I wouldn't want my girl around. Now that is just one school. Everyschool and every girl is different. I think it is better to have your child in an activity at school than nothing at all, whether it be music, clubs, athletics, or cheerleading. I would think the child that has no place to call "home" (so to speak) at school is the child to be worried about falling into the wrong group of kids. Again...she's young, and I wouldn't worry to much about that now. :)

I think as christians we are suppose to set an example in the world and stay as far away from evil as possible. I don't however see a 4 yr old in a cheerleading class as evil, but I do believe it is setting her down a wrong path. I have never seen a modern day cheerleading squad that is modest in dress or modest in dancing. If you are wanting her to make friends there are other things to put her in to do that. The bible teaches us in Proverbs 22:6 to "train up a child in the way he should go." We shouldn't want to put are children in anything that would one day lead them down a road they are going to be tempted in. I think you should really think about her not as a 4 yr old, but if this is something she really enjoys and wants to continue, think of her as a 16 yr old in a skimpy outfit with the world to see her doing skimpy dances.

I would consider sticking to gymnastics and dance classes. There is generally more discipline involved and it is focused on hard work as opposed to all of the stuff that tends to go with cheerleading. Your little girl can also transfer those skills to other sports more easily than what is taught in cheerleading classes and she will be more likely to practice beyond high school with dance and gymnastics. There is always time for cheerleading in high school which she will be well prepared for if she is in gymnastics and dance classes.

All that said I should tell you that I grew up in a gym practicing gymnastics and dance and competed internationally so I may be biased. I was also a cheerleader in high school. The high school coach was willing to work around my gymnastics practice and competition schedule because of my discipline and skill level.

I did both so if you have any specific questions or would like more detailed information around my experience please feel free to send me a message.

Either way, as long as she is having fun and does not feel unnecessary pressure she will be fine.

Good Luck.

As an ex-cheerleading coach I can safely say that your daugther will be fine. I did have some girls that where horrible to each other, but they would have been that way even if they were not cheerleaders. My first year I thought wow why are these girls so mean to everyone then I met their moms are realized why. Those girls that were raised in a great home with wonderful christian values were the best. Just keep teaching her the way you are and she will be just fine. Remember it is only for fun don't put any pressure on her and she will have a great time.

My very own personal opinion is that there are a lot of sports and activities that a girl can enjoy and be very good for her that do not focus so much on the looks and image of cheerleaders. So my plan is to completely avoid cheerleading and encourage other sports (swimm team, soccer, basketball) that have an emphasis on team and performance and promote confidence as well.

I have only raised boys so I am probably not the expert on cheerleeding, however, on family values, I have so much faith. You cannot hide your children from the world but you must always be a big part of everything they do and make sure that they carry their Christian Beliefs with them no matter what it is they try. If you stay in tune with everything your precious daughter does, you can keep the belief strong and help her recognize the things that are not right for her. Make sure that this never interfers with her time for GOD. If you are doubting this now, then use your faith because it is talking to you. Gymnastics, dance, and other sports that actually require discipline and appropriate dress are definitely better choices. Do not make your daughter yet one more exploited young woman.
I wish you the very best in your endeavors.

Four is a little young. I'd wait till at least 10 or 12.

There is no way I would allow my child to focus on cheerleading. Think about how they dress (sexy) how they dance (sexier) and what they promote as important (how you look.) I think it would be so much more beneficial to your child to focus on a sport (soccer or t-ball) and an instrument (piano for young ones.) By placing her focus on the right things now, while she is little (skills and fitness), you will avoid a lot of issues that I think things like cheerleading reinforces.

I know this isn't a popular train of thought, but it is the *heart* we are training. Folks who say, "Oh they're little, what can it hurt?" aren't focusing on the heart. Every decision you make needs to be thought of in terms of, "Is this BEST? Is it pleasing to God? Is it what I want my child to be doing in (5-10-15) years?"

Good luck.

I think if she wants to try it, you should let her. My daughter has not expressed an interest in cheerleading, but from talking to some of her friends parents cheerleading in Texas is very competitive. I was shocked to find that it is competitive even for the 5 yr olds b/c it was never like that when I was young. I also heard from one of the moms whose daughter cheers for Express Cheer in Frisco, that they have to travel frequently for cmpetitions and that she spends close to $3,000 a year on it. Someone else mentioned to me that the outfits are pretty skimpy.

That being said, just find out what you're getting yourself & your daughter into, depending on where she signs up. I'd guess that cheerleading through the YMCA or similar may be more low key than some of the other places.

Cheerleading CAN become a very serious, competitive, expensive sport here in Texas. My 11 year old wanted to get into cheering - we finally let her through Upward - it is a Christian-based program, with character building, scripture memorization and application, focused on encouragement, learning some cheers, supporting your teammates etc. NO MAKE-UP, No skimpy outfits. I was at the Ft. Worth convention center this past spring for a Church event and Excite cheerleading was there - WOW NOT appropriate - the little girls - even 4 - had on middriff baring outfits, heavy makeup - yikes!!! That is not what I want for my daughters.

My oldest did one season of Upward, and now is no longer interested in cheering - I definitely believe in allowing your kids to be involved in activities they choose - so they can figure out there interests, but pick when and where you cheer carefully. My 5 1/2 year old would like to do Upward Cheerleading this fall, and we will probably let her.

Good luck!!!

I think that if your daughter has expressed an interest in it then you should at least give it a try. She's still very young and I honestly don't think she's going to be encouraged to participate in "vices" that you wouldn't want her to be. I do think that as girls get older (ie junior high, high school) there is a focus on looks, popularity etc.. But, that being said, she should still be able to explore different interests freely with the support of her parents. And, if you do notice her acting in ways that you don't like, then you tell her. That's our job as moms. So, my vote is to let her try it. It is good exercise, promotes team building and will teach her to follow rules and directions of another adult. It will also encourage her to be proud of who she is.

I am just learning about a lot of this because my daughter is going to 8th grade (PISD) and you do not have to "try out" to be on the cheering team. She is going to be a cheerleader in 8th grade and I was floored that she even asked. Of course we support her.

I do know from her coaches that if you are on a team outside of school, you are not eligible for the school team. I guess that has to do with competitions, etc.

I, personally am not a huge cheering fan but I have encouraged my daughter to pursue what she wants to do. Yes, we did coach at classes with ASI to brush up on a few things.

Another point...we tried EVERYTHING for my daughter....gym, dance, etc but my daughter ended up in martial arts, she's a black belt (6/06) and she has told me that her training in martial arts has helped her tremendously with working with the group, warm ups, etc.

I think letting your daughter decide what she wants to do is the best route. At 8 we did a martial arts class and it just clicked. It depends on your child. Mine has learned numerous values from her martial arts that she uses often. It is a way of thinking then acting.

As for cheering, she wanted to try this on a whim. She is in great shape, there were no issues about trying out, and there is a big group of girls to be on the team next year. My main concern is that she is in the top level orchestra (which is her #1 priority) and we will have to carefully balance the 2 activities.

I am hoping for positive things here with all the practice, etc but in the end, I know she will learn a lot from it by dealing with all the little drama mama's like herself on a daily basis.

I DO NOT believe it is "non-Christian" to allow your daughter to cheer. Cheer is a sport and there are a lot of good girls enjoying it. I am Christian but I am not that rigid.
tf

lol well Im a cheerleader for the first time this year and i come from a very Catholic church going family and i have to say Cheerleading has helped me alot! I got to a Catholic school and no our uniforms are not revealing,we work as a team,and it has gotten me really heathly and mentally a quicker thinker. I think your daughter should try cheerleader..I have always douted cheerleading and now as a cheerleader I feel very accomplished with Straight A's,Religion Background,and a second family(my team) to support me:D

Remember, it is never cheerleading or football or theatre etc... That is just someone placing blame. We are the parents and as long as we stay involved with our children, ther is a huge success rate in anything they do. Activities are not bad...they are not even breathing or resposible....lack of supervision,strong leadership, and a faith based hoem life can provide the structure and strength to raise children. Enjoy the fun activities that you see fit for your children. There are so many thing availbale now, so many more career oppurtunities than just a few years ago when i was growing up. Expose her to world...hand in hand. Enjoy and god bless.

I vote NO. My mother always said don't start something at early childhood you don't want to deal with in the teens. Cheerleading IS advanced gymnastics. Cute when they are little, but tough on the body as a teen. My daughter was in gymnastics, tried out for cheerleading, but never made it. She has permanent damage in her thoraxic vertebreas, ankle damage, and became anorexic by age 12 after a coach told her she was too fat! She was not fat, but she was starting to develop and go through puberty. In her latter teens it was bulimia.
Don't encourage participation in something that is harmful to the body, exposes her to people who don't really care about the child, but rather just want winners. As I said, they are cute as five-year-olds, but 15 is quite another thing.

I am a cheerleading coach for a youth rec. league with 5 and 6yrs olds (we start at 5)I have not seen any of this with our league or my team. I have three daughters 14,7,5 1/2. They all cheer. My 14 yr old has been cheering for 5yrs. She will be a freshman this year and will be cheering for the school and she also cheers for a competition squad. I believe that it depends on the league and the coach. Some can show favortism, however, I am not that coach. My 7 and 5 yr old are on the team I coach with along with another coach. We seperate the girls into two groups so that I am not directly coaching my own children. With kids that age or any, you should not show favortism and the cheerleaders should not be mean to each other. I have been in cheerleading for a while now and have not had this experience. Good luck with your quenette.

I think the way you raise your daughter will help make her the person you want her to be....."cheerleading" will not ruin her if she is grounded and has a healthy self-image. My daughter loves cheerleading (she is in Jr. High). The camp these girls attended focused on "being a positive influence among your peers" and how "being a good role model" was the most important role of "cheerleading". Our coach is a wonderful christian young woman and our experience has been great! My daughter's best friend is on her competitive team (not the school squad) and it's expensive with alot of traveling. (We considered it, but I would only let my daughter participate on one team). We've gone to several of her competitions (they've won a couple of competitions and were featured in Texas Cheerleading Magazine). The girls wore makeup, (but it wasn't required - it helps them photograph better on stage), but their suits weren't too skimpy and they girls had alot of fun! I was very impressed with their performances! If you think your little girl just want to cheer in a cheerleading suit and have fun, there are lots of intramurel cheer teams out there for the little boys football teams. My daughter did that for 3 years. It's fun, seasonal, and much less time consuming/expensive! As a parent, you need to follow your heart with your child........do what you think she would enjoy the most! There is always going to be those parents who are "over the top" in every activity your child will participate in. That doesn't have to ruin it for you and your child.

Hello D.,

Cheerleading, as any other sport can be taken to extremes. You sound like a loving parent with great values who cares deeply for your daughter. It is my belief you can help your daughter understand the potential pitfalls of being a Cheerleader<competition based sport> and through your example and your guidance do very well. I'm not an advocate of Cheerleading specifically, I will honor the self discipline, balance, grace under pressure, and ability to work as a team this sport can offer a young girl, not to mention the example to other girls, when she DOES stay true to her Christian beliefs and lifestyle. Just my two cents! Good luck, I'm sure you will make the perfect choice for your daughter!! K.

My daughter is 9 and been in cheerleading since kindergarden. Of course her choice, if she ever choose anything else I would follow her with whatever interests she chooses. She loves it. Very team building but individualized also. Just let her explore it. And if she doesn't like it move on to something else. Everyone has their nitch. You just have to find hers!!! But I don't think its not think it has vices that a christian family wouldn't follow. For instance where my daughter takes cheer from, they make them do 2 volunteer/charity works a year. That I think is great exposure for young girls!!

I have read the responses. And I wonder what the difference is in the uniform and a bikini?? Showing mid-drift?? Um volleyball uniform, where they wear fancy briefs?? I've seen dance recital outfits that are just as revealing!! And most dance recitals they require makeup.

Its a sport weather it be cheer, football, soccor, whatever it all gets serious and intense!!

I personally grew up hating cheerleaders, the whole, "i'm so awesome and pretty" attitude, but if my daughter was seriously interested in it, I would let her do it. Thankfully, she's not,(total tomboy), and decided on horseriding and girl scouts instead. I don't think it would hurt your daughter at this age, but it might be expensive. She'll probably just have fun with it and then move on to something else. I wouldn't worry about it. She's very young.

I grew up cheerleading & on a dance team. I didn't think of myself as pretty or popular ones. My twin sis & I were friends with everyone. That is one good thing I was good at & my mom was not involved. Now me being a mom of an almost 4 year old who loves dance & sing- hopes (but I will let her decide) she loves cheerleading. My twin sister has 10 yr old girls who do all the sports cheerleading, dance, softball, basketball & is good at all of it. So as long as your daughter is happy & she is willing to do it- I say go for it! Let me know how you like it- I will keep it in mind for my little girl. K.