Yes, that was me who stepped out of the warm room during your tirade against #12. I heard every word you uttered, and to say I was appalled and frustrated would be an understatement. I had to leave because I simply couldn’t tolerate the negativity directed at my daughter for another moment. Yes, #12 is my child.
Insights About #12
Let me share some insights about this remarkable young girl, #12, who you, as an adult, chose to demean in the warm room:
#12 is just 14 years old; she is still a child, grappling with the complexities of adolescence. While she plays hockey with a tenacity often associated with boys, she is, at heart, still an 8th grader navigating the tumult of growing up. She has siblings and comes from a divorced family, often transitioning between homes and taking on responsibilities that no child should have to bear. She is a 14-year-old filled with dreams, potential, and the innocence of youth.
Her life has been fraught with challenges, too personal to delve into here, but believe me when I say she has had to mature far quicker than her peers. For years, she has taken on a caretaker role for her siblings, and her childhood has been overshadowed by worry. She learned early on to mask her feelings, not wanting to add to anyone’s burdens. On the ice, she displays incredible toughness, but underneath that exterior lies profound emotional resilience.
Fortunately, #12 has discovered a sanctuary in hockey. On the ice, she feels secure and at home. It’s where she can momentarily release all her worries and simply be herself. When she laces up her skates, she transforms from the girl who carries the weight of the world into just #12, a girl who is passionate about her sport. For those precious moments, she gets to be a carefree kid, engaged in a game she loves.
I recognize your desire for your daughter’s team to succeed, and I understand if you found my daughter’s style of play to be too aggressive. However, I can’t comprehend how a grown woman, such as yourself, could sit in the stands at an 8th-grade hockey game and openly disparage my daughter in front of others. She is merely doing what she loves at 14 years old.
I encourage you to remember that every child on that ice has their own story, often hidden behind their helmets. There are struggles and experiences you may not be aware of. As parents, we should exemplify integrity, respect, and healthy competition, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable environment for our children. You never know the battles others are facing; let’s choose kindness and understanding instead of judgment.
Please, as a fellow adult and mother, keep my daughter out of your criticisms. She already has so much on her plate.
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Summary
This letter addresses an encounter between a hockey mom and another parent who criticized her daughter’s playing style. The author emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding, highlighting the challenges faced by young athletes. The piece calls for respect and integrity in youth sports, urging adults to model positive behavior.