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Real Life Observations from a Fencing Mom |
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Written by Fencing Parent
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Monday, 05 January 2004 |
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Page 1 of 7 What is it like to be the parent of a fencer? What are the challenges and realities involved in supporting your child in fencing and seeing them advance in their abilities and love of the sport?
Not surprisingly, the challenges that fencing parents face are very similar to the parents of any child participating in a sport or competitive activity, especially if they have the talent and drive to compete for national team honors. This article, written by a real life Fencing Parent, highlights the questions every parent must ask and answer for their own family.
"The rounds will now be exposed," boomed over the speaker.
I sat in a sleep deprived, semi-delirious state in Arricia, Italy waiting for our first Junior World Cup to begin. How did we get here? What are we doing? Exactly what is a Euro worth?
You may think you want your child to be an amazing fencer and have them traveling the world to be in fencing competitions. Maybe yes, maybe no.
Our family got into fencing due to a wrong turn (or maybe right turn) in a Recreation Center. My husband and son signed up for a fencing class. My daughter, then 9, wanted to try it, too. The teacher at the rec center was not tolerant of children, especially female children, so we found another club that taught only saber. My daughter picked up a blade, and was hooked.
Eight months after starting, both kids were signed up for the 2000 Summer Nationals in Austin, TX. Sure, why not? Let them fence in a competition. It’ll be fun, right??
We had no idea what we were in for…
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