My kid is in a military-like youth group. He loves it and is very proud of all of his accomplishments.
But, we’ve got problems. The CO has his grandson in the organization too, and the whole staff consists of his family and close friends.
As a result, all of the staff’s children are getting promotions, awards, dress uniforms and special privileges that the kids haven’t earned.
My child has been there for a long time, longer then anyone else. He has worked so hard to get to where he is and he’s very hurt that even though he’s entitled to these things, he’s not getting them.
I’m not the only parent and he’s not the only kid that is seeing this. The other parents and I have talked about this quite a bit. We’ve talked to the CO about it too, as tactfully as we could. We were told that their kids shouldn’t be blamed for being so talented and bright. :rolleyes:
I am pissed ! My kid doesn’t want to quit, but he’s being treated unfairly. I don’t want my kid getting any special treatment, but he should be getting the things he’s worked so hard for.
I’m frustrated too. Since this is a volunteer organization, not many people want to do any work with the kids and if I report it to the higher ups, they may just tell me the only thing they can do is shut down the unit, because no one else wants to take over.
Tonight we have another meeting and I’m so upset that my kid is hurt, I’m afraid I’m just going to lose it.
So let me get this right? It’s a volunteer organisation, and there’s nepotism involved? And it’s a military-style youth group?
There’s a Commanding Officer? And his family members are also members of this group? And there are promotions, and awards, and dress uniforms, and special priviliges? In a volunteer organisation?
Sounds to me as though you’re involved in a scene which is very, very hung up on cachet - and it’s starting to head fuck your son.
Call me callous, call me an insensitive prick. But based on what you’ve told me in your OP, I gotta tell ya, that’s a load of head fucking to be immersing a child in. He’s much better off joining a formal military cadets program if he’s so keen on being a soldier.
Alternatively, swing him towards a sporting persuit of some kind - anything has got to be better - because your description above sounds to me like a pretty bizarre little world to be honest.
Bear in mind that I’m unbiased dragongirl. I’m all the way down here in Australia merely interpreting your OP for what it’s worth and all the signs I’m reading say that it’s an epic gossip fest you’re involved in. Those kinda scenes are ones which thrive on petty jealousy and petty self aggrandisement. Find someting else. The world’s your oyster. Go and grab it.
Actually, it sounds exactly like the sports programs my kids are involved in. The coaches kid who can’t even tie his shoes is playing third base. The kid who’s mom is the secretary to the principal is a starter on the volleyball team even though she can’t figure out where to stand much less how to it the ball. Meanwhile my kids and others are assigned lesser roles on their teams.
We just tell our kids that they need focus on their own abilities and eventually they will end up on a team that has an unbiased competitive coach who will play talent where it belongs.