Allstars isn't for everyone

In my last post I mentioned that Izzey has been 4 types of 'cheerleader.' Currently she is both a sideline AND competition cheerleader for her school team, but first - she was an "ALL-STAR." Her first all-star team was run by the same gym she'd taken gymnastics from for years. It was a very small program, we travelled locally (the furthest away was a 3 hour drive - still a potential day trip), and the parents had alot of input. Cheer was not the focus at that gym however - gymnastics was - & after Izzey decided that was the way she wanted to go, we found a bigger, cheer and dance gym. Our departure was also spurred by the fact that her first gym was not going to HAVE a cheer team the next year. The following year, we got the "True All-Star experience." It was very different, and difficult... mostly for me. Izzey liked travelling, the make-up, etc - but it was not her best year for cheerleading & developing her skills. The monetary costs outweighed her personal growth, in my mind, & I had a very hard time accepting that decisions would be made by coaches, who had the best interests of the team in mind - as opposed to the best interests of my daughter. There. I said it. I'm a certified "Momma Bear." The coaches are very good, and she not only still tumbles at this gym, she is a dancer there - I simply was not cut out to be an All-Star Cheer Mom. Some of my closest friends are however, & constantly ask me why Izzey hasn't come back. The answer is - I am not cut out for it. One day, she may go back, but right now we are enjoying school cheer & dance at the gym.