Comments on: Gym Class

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:44:44 +0000

I too was usually the last girl picked for a team & am able to relate to your article on a personal level. The humiliation was awful. It would have been awesome if gym class had included taught sportsmanship. You are blessed to have a sensitive daughter.We helped our son to blossom into the sensitive caring individual he is by giving him karate lessons. Karate was instrumental in helping him to develop his self esteem and his gentle caring ways..

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:43:45 +0000

tinoket shel beit rabban

By: Jan Schulman

Jan Schulman — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:58:39 +0000

I really understand this post. I was very good in dance and athletics. But at 14 I started a new school in another part of town (my mother had died) and I was so shy that I could not step up for anything in spite of my skills. It was very painful. Over the years I learned to be more outspoken, assertive and self confident. I now try to do what this little girl has done: comfort and reassure others. I wish I had someone there for me like that when I was young and needed her. Bless her.

By: Melanie Levenstein

Melanie Levenstein — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:42:17 +0000

Even though I was never the last one picked in gym (and played pretty well), your entire post still rang true and definitely hit a nerve. I know this may sound silly, but I just teared up a little when I read how your daughter reacted. If more people in the world were like her, and less interested in deliberately trying to hurt one another, Mosiach would be here a lot sooner. Otherwise, he may have to come because we’re so hopeless (but I hope it’s because everyone is following the lead of a wise-beyond-her-years 7 year old). Great post!

By: Jana

Jana — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:27:56 +0000

Your daughter is such a little mensch. What a wonderful thing for her to do for that little girl. My daughter gets ragged on like that at school, and unfortunately doesn’t have anyone willing to show her such kindness. It’s nice to know that there are kids out there with that kind of empathy.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:50:35 +0000

thanks for this article, I very clearly remember the exact feeling of being last or close to last to be picked for a team. I also never understood why dodgeball was always the favorite game – and I went to an all-girls school! I hope my kids grow up to realize there are more important things to take into consideration when choosing a teammate than who can hit hardest. Great lesson learned.