AUTHOR: Sheri Lynch TITLE: Lana's Sports Tirade! DATE: 5/09/2006 01:00:00 PM ----- BODY:

I've had so many requests for the funny e-mail from the listener who is fed up with driving her kids to sports that I'm going to reprint it here. I've taken out her address, but otherwise left is just as she sent it: Sheri, as the parent of 3 kids ages 19, 14, and one I can tell you from vast experience do not buy into the crap that kids need sports! The last 16 years of my life have been on the road to some event. My son the 19 year old played every sport every freakin season until high school and did I mention that in middle school he also took up the drums. He was not like most kids he did not want to play in the school band he took private lessons and also played in a drum ensemble that meant more driving. I will have to admit this was probably the only thing that we did that was worth the time and money. Now, my 14 year-old daughter the "cheerleader" has been cheering since she was 5. It was cute at first her in her little uniform. But now it's 10 years later and God only knows how many thousands of dollars. She not only cheers for a year round competition squad but also starting in the fall the high school JV squad. Tonight I drove her to competition practice, got out of the car to go in and again write yet another check when I was informed about the latest fundraiser, working at the semi-pro baseball games in the concession stand where I will make a percentage of the profits for the nights I work to go directly into my daughters account. My response, sign me up for every damn night what the bleep else do I have to do with my time. The one thing I can tell you is this you can make memories at home, camping, taking a picnic to the mountains or what every you like to do and not be a bad parent. That is exactly what I intend on doing with the one year old I really do not give a big rats ass what anybody else has to say I'm old and I'm tired and I just want to enjoy her. I want sit down with her at supper and ask her about her day I don't want to eat one more flipping big mac in the car so we can be at some practice or game on time. I want to spend my money on trips to the beach or Disney World not Super 8 motels and gate admissions, nachos, and cold pizza. Be the bad parent Sheri, love your children the way you see fit and what every your do don't buy into the crap. Yowza! The margaritas are on me, sista! What do YOU think?

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