has anyone just watched the "trophy kids" programme on C4?

[TonyN]

I didnt see it, and I am not sure I would of watched had I known it was on. Last time I watched that programme( HID watched it whilst I was on here and I ended up watching it with her) I was so shocked and appauled by the actions of the parents it made me feel sick.

It was about Beauty pagents in the USA, mothers who were slightly good looking and had been around them themselves in their childhood, were pushing there daughters to do the same. Daughters as young as 5 and 6. Dolled up to the 9's and squeezed into the most discusting bridesmaids dresses.

The whole family including grandparents would road trip after road trip to enter everything in sight. The kids were so tired and had no life but the parents loved parading them about and were so bitchy about other children, that made me feel sick. You could tell the programme was designed and edited in a way purely to expose the actions of the parents because of the questions that were asked, thus resulting in mommy with a grin like the Cheshire cat talking about her retirement!!!

 

[MikeH]

I think a few year back before my time we did a comp to win a Southwestern green - great prize!

 

[OldWindy]

I guess the problem comes when they start to get very good and you're torn between encouraging them at something they're good at and pushing them

And here, you could argue, is where the clever parent gets someone in the know to appraise the child's talent before taking them further. The know-it-alls are unlikely to do this and end up torturing the child with verbal assaults and poor teaching. I wonder actually how many success stories there have been? I also wonder how happy the child really is.

 

[vig]

Didn't see it but a few at work were talking about it.

I packed in training kids at football because of such things.

 

[viscount17]

when I was a Scout leader we had a problem getting parents involved, nothing in it for them I suppose.

 

[golf_bug]

That 'wolf' child shot a 68, and had 4 penalty strokes for carrying too many clubs! How the hell does that happen? I gues it must have been a easy course as that kid's swing was a shambles.
Loved the bit just before 'the wolf' entered the competition, slapping his glove against his hand. I was scared, how must his competitors of felt!
Also, love the fact that the dad put £30 on his boy to win the masters before his 25th birthday. £30! Not exactly a shown of confidence is it!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the most telling bit about Wolfie was in the commenary where it said he'd never competed in any competitions of a national standard. It smacked of big fish in a little pool. Put him in a Faldo series event or similar and that swing would disintegrate. The kids in Faldo series wouldn't be intimidated by him and would laugh him back to his insular little golfing world.

 

[mono217]

I think some parents need locking up for it. There is being helpfull and have confidece in your kid and then there is being a complete Arse about it