So here's the thing: Being a travel parent with a competitive athlete is one thing, being a parent with an athlete who travels is another. Especially these last few days.
We just received the inevitable, but no less disheartening news that Canadian Cheer Nationals next month has been 'postponed' due to COVID-19. For my daughter's gym, that translates into an extremely probable overall cancellation. For an 11 year old cheerleader who has been looking forward to this trip, her first "un-parented" cross country travel experience, since last June, it's a big deal.
For some parents, the reality is dealing with a possible (albeit understandable) lack of refunds on flights and hotels in an already uncertain financial and economic time. But for us all, we face dealing with our little people to manage the disappointment and range of emotions that comes with an announcement like this. Sports are at a standstill at all levels, leaving kids who have dedicated entire seasons to their craft, and these exciting, crowning moments, in the lurch. Kids who come alive on the ice, the field or the mat are unable to do so, their connection to their passion or their peers in sport suddenly and unexpectedly removed. It's not just the loss of travel, for many kids it is the loss of an outlet or the dash of a dream. For them, it can be everything, so just remember this when discussing changes of plans and the extremely important reasoning behind it, but also look at using it as a healthy learning tool on how to cope and deal with the unexpected. Kids are truly resilient and incredible beings.
Whether it is weather, war or pandemic, travel is forever going to be an unpredictable extravagance, especially in unprecedented times such as this. The important thing is to have patience, understanding and kindness for others working relentlessly to deal with the issues and pandemonium. I read something today about trying not to look at closures and cancellations as ominous, but as the world working together as a collective to have an opportunity to get on top of the situation. I found that quite powerful.
To all the gym owners and coaches who have had to cancel practices and long dreamt of events that athletes have worked an entire season towards....my heart and love to you all for being willing to make the tough decisions and for being leaders with our little folks health and safety at the forefront.
Stay safe and healthy my friends ❤
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