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Actually. I think the attitude that girls should change their dress/behaviour is wrong. It's one step away from "she wore a short skirt, she was asking for it".
I don't care how common paedophiles are. The reality is I have no way of telling- it could be a teacher, an uncle, could be their gym coach.
It is better to teach your children about their right not to be touched, or made to feel uncomfortable by anyone. I know the gym/school has very strict safeguarding protocols- no child is alone with an adult, no personal communication with a child.
It is more likely that a child will be abused by a person in a position of trust. Wearing gym shorts won't make an ounce of difference - except teach a child that not covering up = asking men to look at them inappropriately.[/QUOTE
This 100%☺
OP - you have every right to be concerned, especially if the girls in the gym aren't allowed to wear shorts at practice. Most women don't realize this, but there are a lot of pedophiles in our communities. Those of us who have worked in social work with children and families realize that the problem is far more widespread than most people realize. I don't want to get into great detail here, but we have no way of knowing who to trust, male or female. Most people who are a potential danger to our children don't even have a criminal record. If it makes you feel any better though, most children are harmed by a close family member or friend...not the strange man or women that might be a "peeping Tom." If you want to protect your girls, make sure you dress them modestly when out in public, which includes a pair of board shorts or gym shorts on top of bathing suits...and no bikinis. Thank you OP for bringing this issue up. Don't worry though...most parents wouldn't think twice about who is watching gym practice.
This is a skewed not accurate picture from someone who is also in the feild.
And sadly, maybe you should have. My 13yo ds seems to garner the attention of the moms in the viewing area, I know because some aren't afraid to tell me. Seriously people, that's my little boy!
Actually. I think the attitude that girls should change their dress/behaviour is wrong. It's one step away from "she wore a short skirt, she was asking for it".
I don't care how common paedophiles are. The reality is I have no way of telling- it could be a teacher, an uncle, could be their gym coach.
It is better to teach your children about their right not to be touched, or made to feel uncomfortable by anyone. I know the gym/school has very strict safeguarding protocols- no child is alone with an adult, no personal communication with a child.
It is more likely that a child will be abused by a person in a position of trust. Wearing gym shorts won't make an ounce of difference - except teach a child that not covering up = asking men to look at them inappropriately.
I totally agree with you. I was pretty speechless at first, but another mom said something that made the Mom stop talking at least. I don't remember exactly, but something about him being a kid.I second your: And I'm adding a:
Yikes! That's icky, and not ok! I imagine they'd have been creeped out had some dad been ogling their 13 year old girls and commenting!!!! I see no difference. Wow.
Just. Wow. How did you even respond???!
It did make me realize that there is balance between protecting my kid's innocence and making him aware of predators. He's pretty unaware, so far but that is good and bad. Still trying to crack that dilemma.