I am surprised by how hard it is not to fall into the girl/ boy trap. All I want from my kids when they are doing 'sports' is that they have fun, and (it's cliche but) give it their all.
Not sure if it is because my daughter is quite a bit more assertive than her older brother, but I find I need to suppress the psycho hockey dad urge way more with my son.
Being a competitive person and a parent sometimes does not mix well.
I believe we have it ingrained in our society about women when it women when it comes to exercise.
One of Gabi's friends mom was competing in those sailboats…like the one's at the Olympics. And is still involved. The women go all the time to the hospital with cuts needing stitches, bruises , and such. She says…they could be pulled straight off the boat in full gear…life jacket and such. And soon after arrival someone will start asking about her husband or boyfriend… must be hitting her.
Yep…how dare a woman have bruises from a sport or recreation activity.