The argument that t-ball is degrading because some kids are in the outfield vs. beauty pageants being deemed as "OK" because it is pricey and fake is interesting, to say the least!
If we assume the BEST in both scenarios: the team sport and beauty pageant is based on cooperation, encouragement and skill-building. Both are based on coach and parent support and positive, child-centered teaching. (Because, yes, we all agree there are crazy parents in both scenarios)
- There are many studies showing that sports builds confidence and self-esteem in young children. Yes, learning skills like hitting a ball and catching a ball are important, and helps build a healthy foundation for children to be interested in team/individual sports and physical activity. There is team camaraderies, friendships and by the way...being in the outfield is not a BAD thing! :-) I've played every position in t-ball, slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, and center field and 2nd base are both equally difficult!
Research also shows a link between participating in sports and higher grades, as well as better behavior, both in school and out. Sports can help teach children life skills such as how to communicate, commit and collaborate.
I have only heard the negative aspects of beauty pageants, and the research studies that comes to mind are related to girls and beauty magazines: the more exposed girls were to "picture perfect" models and unrealistic expectations of perfect beauty, the more their self-esteem plummeted. So, ,when you speak of pageants being "OK" because they are based on being fake...and if everyone is fake it's OK because they are on the same playing field?!...then it's really not OK, right? There is still competition of who has the BETTER fake tan and fake smile and fake confidence. Self-esteem is going to plummet if ALL that the child is exposed to as their self-worth has to do with their looks.
I would love to hear from parents who have their children in beauty pageants who also enrich their child's life in other ways; help them maintain self-esteem in their intelligence, social skills...and that it is OK if they are not picture perfect.
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The argument that t-ball is degrading because some kids are in the outfield vs. beauty pageants being deemed as "OK" because it is pricey and fake is interesting, to say the least!
If we assume the BEST in both scenarios: the team sport and beauty pageant is based on cooperation, encouragement and skill-building. Both are based on coach and parent support and positive, child-centered teaching. (Because, yes, we all agree there are crazy parents in both scenarios)
- There are many studies showing that sports builds confidence and self-esteem in young children. Yes, learning skills like hitting a ball and catching a ball are important, and helps build a healthy foundation for children to be interested in team/individual sports and physical activity. There is team camaraderies, friendships and by the way...being in the outfield is not a BAD thing! :-) I've played every position in t-ball, slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, and center field and 2nd base are both equally difficult!
Research also shows a link between participating in sports and higher grades, as well as better behavior, both in school and out. Sports can help teach children life skills such as how to communicate, commit and collaborate.
I have only heard the negative aspects of beauty pageants, and the research studies that comes to mind are related to girls and beauty magazines: the more exposed girls were to "picture perfect" models and unrealistic expectations of perfect beauty, the more their self-esteem plummeted. So, ,when you speak of pageants being "OK" because they are based on being fake...and if everyone is fake it's OK because they are on the same playing field?!...then it's really not OK, right? There is still competition of who has the BETTER fake tan and fake smile and fake confidence. Self-esteem is going to plummet if ALL that the child is exposed to as their self-worth has to do with their looks.
I would love to hear from parents who have their children in beauty pageants who also enrich their child's life in other ways; help them maintain self-esteem in their intelligence, social skills...and that it is OK if they are not picture perfect.
September 28, 2008 - 7:58pmThis Comment
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