Sports Question?

There are many competitions (as you say, they 'usually' run all day)

... State comes around once a year.

I'd go to the state meet, because it is a very rare opportunity, and your 16 yr old is closer to the end of her high school sports career than your 14 yr old is.

I would take your sister up on her offer to go watch the 14 yr old. She will understand.

My parents came to fewer than 4 games my entire high school career of playing softbally, volleyball & soccer. My dad came when it really mattered--at a huge tournament. I will never forget that.

You cant be everywhere, I only had 2 kids and sometimes you just cant make it to two functions at the same time. Pick which child you think needs you more on that day and do that one. I'd say the older one would be ok without you and the 14 yr old would be the one to go to. jmo
EDIT: Didnt really realize it was a state meet for your older. I agree with the others, that one is the more important one ;)

That is tough... OUCH! I have an only so I don't have to deal with that, thank goodness. I admire you.

First, I would not "rank" their sports as who's is more important... they are BOTH important and BOTH important to your girls.

Question... is your cheerleader on a competitive team and not on the school squad? Many competitive teams/gyms have competitions several times throughout the year. That is not to say each event is not important.

My daughter (16) is on the 11th grade JV squad. Along with all the priorities that go with high school cheer and practice, they also go to special training at extra costs for a ONCE a year (February) competition. This ONCE a year competition is the only one they train for other than the regular cheer events they are involved with through the school.

Your 16 yr old is possibly looking at some college scholorship opportunities with her event, especially since it is a state level.

Again, this is a tough one... I would lean toward the 16 yr olds event because it is state level ONLY if the cheer competition is something that is ongoing and not a state or once a year competition.

Both are to be admired for working so hard and thank you mom.. for supporting your children. So many parents just don't care these days.

Unless this is your 14 year olds first or state or national competition, I would go to the 16 yr olds state meet and have your sister and BIL go the your younger child's. Then take them both to dinner.

If this is the 14yr olds first or high level (like state or national) competition, you and hubby should split the parent/spectator duties...either one at each or go to half of each.

As long as your 16 year old, KNOWS that you wish you could be there to support her, but that due to logistics, you can't and you and Daddy has to divide up who goes to what... then I think your 16 year old, will be fine.
She hopefully understands. Even if she says she doesn't care who goes to what event.

Just give her your good wishes for her cross country meet, and tell her your thoughts are with her.

Go to the 16 year old's state cross country meet, for two reasons:

1) It is more important and infrequent than the cheerleading competition and

2) She is older, and you won't have as many more opportunities to watch her events.

Even if she says she doesn't care, at some level she likes you there.

I wish her luck at the cross country meet! Go cheer her on!

okay - this is a tough decision - because you don't want one daughter to think you support her over the other - HOWEVER, State level is more important than a school level competition.

I would have husband and aunt go to the cheer leading competition and you go to the State Level Track meet. Kinda split the family in two - four go one way and the other four go another...well....one will have five with the addition of the aunt...right?

CONGRATULATIONS to BOTH girls for making it to higher levels in competition!! WOOT!! WOOT!!

I think you should go to the one that needs you there the most. If you are just going to be sitting in the stands and not really noticed then go to the one you'd most enjoy. If there is any preference for hubby that might be a deciding factor too.

I admire how families can figure out the logistics of SIX kids....heck, even two or three. It was pretty darn easy with one child, even if it meant softball vs. figure skating (she was always in more than one activity at a time).

Can you & your DH switch locations/kids?

I think I saw another post by you saying that you have started to feel disconnected from your 16 yr old. If so, I think that by going to her state meet would be an important way to keep that communication open as you both navigate these teenage years.

I think you should go to the state cross country meet. Going to state's is a big deal. I was a 16 year old that went to state's for track quite a while ago, but it was a big deal and I probably would have told my parents that it wasn't a "big deal" at the time, if my younger brother or older sister had had something else going on, but it would have been a "big deal" if they hadn't gone. As a mom now, I often mention to friends what a big deal it is to me now that my parents attended all of those events and states was probably the most important of them all. Let your sister go to your 14 year old's competition this time.

Good Luck.

Oh, wow, I vote for going to state. That is an amazing accomplishment! Not to downplay the 14 year old, but STATE is a big deal! In fact, my son, who is a senior this year, is running there Saturday too! I would not miss it for the world! Your 16 year old DOES care who's there, no matter what she said. Can your sister take your 14 year old and video the cheer competition for you?

I think you should both go to the state cross country meet--hands down. Have another parent take your 14 year old--I am sure there is a parent who would be willing to do that, especially when you explain that your daughter made it to STATE in CC. That is such a HUGE achievement for a HS student. You were the same mom who asked the question about "how can I get closer to my 16 year old daughter?" Well this right here is a good step--imagine how she would feel for BOTH of her parents to be there sharing this moment and experience with her. Your 14 year old will have many many many more cheerleading moments. State won't likely happen more than once or twice if she is lucky. Both of you should be there supporting and cheering her on.