I get so emotional when my children perform
By gemini_rose
@gemini_rose (16264)
July 19, 2008 5:23pm CST
On Thursday all the parents of my sons year, year 1 were invited to school to watch the children do dances that they had been learning. My son is 6 and he was not impressed with this at all and tried everything to get the day off school but I was adamant that I wanted to come and watch him and so sent him in!
So that afternoon my daughter and I went off to see him and his year dance, they had been split into four groups and they all did a dance each, 2 groups did a dance to puppet on a string and the other two groups did a dance to High School Musical. I could see why my son was not amused as his group were to dance to a high school musical song which involved lots of dancing and pom poms LOL. As soon as the kids all started their dances I got all emotional and found that I just wanted to cry all the way through it is so embarrassing, they just look so sweet all dancing and trying their hardest and I just wanted to cry LOL
My son had demanded that I take no photos of him dancing, I said "Oh OK I will not then" but I really wanted a photo of him, just one I thought will not hurt, he will not notice. So I took my camera, he gets on the stage with his group and I stood up to get a shot, and do you know it would not take a picture. It is a perfectly good camera and I had it on the right settings but everytime I took a photo it was all blurred, I tried changing the settings and everything but each time I took a shot it was all distorted. And after the event the first thing he said to me was " I told you not to take any photos" so I said I was sorry and that I just wanted one for me to treasure as he was my baby and I was real proud of him but that he did not have to worry as none had turned out. I also promised him I would never go against his word again.
So my questions to you are do you become emotional when you go and watch your children doing something at school or anywhere where they do a show or something?
Do you think it is strange that the photos did not come out?
If your child asked you not to take a photo of them would you try and just sneak a little one?
4 people like this
13 responses
@kiran1978 (4134)
• Australia
24 Jul 08
Hello, I would have tried to sneak a photo too, lol, these events don't come around everyday. It is strange that the photo didn't work out though. When watching my children perform I feel really proud and it does bring a tear to my eye, thinking how much they have grown up. You sound like a very proud mum, don't be embarassed about crying, lots of mums do it and understand.1 person likes this
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
24 Jul 08
I know but I start as soon as I walk in the room, its terrible. And do you know I cry when they are at home and they do something sweet or funny!! I am a strange girl LOL Xx
@kiran1978 (4134)
• Australia
25 Jul 08
I don't think you are a strange girl, lol, I see you as a loving devoted mother who is proud of her kids.
@sunkissed (4330)
• United States
24 Jul 08
gemeni. Both of my children are grown now but I still do remember going to all of the school ond church functions that they were in I always took photos of them. But they never minded having their photos taken,I would have snuck one just like you did, because you want the memorys.I do have grandchildren.I go to all of my granddaughters school functions as well, she is 10 years old. I too get very excited to see her up on that stage too. I am very proud of her.
1 person likes this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
21 Jul 08
I think I would get emotional when something like this happens to me someday, I got emotional when the kids performed from the school I had an internship on when I was still in college to become a primary school teacher. These weren't even my own kids but I felt connected with them and I knew how much effort it had cost them to study this and perform for a whole lot of people and they looked at me so proud I did get emotional.
I can only guess this feeling would be tripled knowing it would be my own child.
I don't think I would sneak a photo as I want to respect the wishes of my child. If I want to make a photograph I wouldn't have agreed in the first place because I would feel that it's not fair to do so eventually (even though I can understand you really want to have the pic). When he would've demanded this I would've tried to make a compromise and tell him that we'll settle for just one or two pics and he would be smiling and make it a good one and if he does so you won't make more than just one or two. That way both can be happy [em]happy[/em[].
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
21 Jul 08
True, but it's understandable as they grow up so fast and at this age he doesn't realise if you don't take a pic the moment is lost forever (not in memory but it will camerawise). Perhaps you could try and make a deal with him next time like I suggested, not sure that's the way you are used to or like to parent but it might save you from some bad feelings and will give you a great photo in the end too.
All the best!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
22 Jul 08
Thanks for your comments on this, I think compromising is the best idea to try xx
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
21 Jul 08
That is how I feel, I felt I was disrespecting my sons wishes by going against them. OK I know that he is only 6 but I feel that their wishes should come into things.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
22 Jul 08
I do get emotional when I see my son up on the school stage with his class acting our or singing to something. I take tons of photos and even record it if I can.
He doesn't mind me taking pictures and if he did, I always manage to get lots without him noticing hehe.
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Jul 08
hi gemini-rose oh yes i used to when my son was little
and was in school pageants, I would get teary eyed'
and so proud of him. once he was a jack in the box and he was so cute in his little outfit, and he popped up and
yelled surprise and the audience really clapped. i took
some pictures unknown to him. Oncehe was a talking computer.
I got some pictures of allthose different things
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
25 Jul 08
Mine are not very outgoing, they are like me reserved and shy so they like as little attention as possible in these sorts of things!Xx
@tessah (6617)
• United States
20 Jul 08
firstly ...*IM* the grown up and the parent.. so if i want a photo, or a video.. im going to take it, my kids dont tell me what im allowed to do.. fact, NO ONE does. sides, when theyre all grown up with kids of their own, theyre going to like having photos of themselves to share with them and be able to say "thats mommy/daddy when i was just your age!" no offense or anything... but yer camera failing to work at all when it otherwise does, and yer boys statement of " i told you.." freaks me out.. its all rather, i dunno.. damien-ish 
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Jul 08
LOL here is the one person who always tells me how it really is, the one person who always makes me realise that I am WAY too soft as a person and should be more assertive of myself and everyone else!!!
But to the photos, tessah I tell you it was weird. I was only going to take one and I took it and looked at it and it was blurred so I took another. In all I took SIX photos, three of them were so blurred I could not work out what was what and the other three were pitch black and I had my flash on. I put them all on the computer and tried to fix them, the blurred ones I could do nothing with so I tried the dark ones, no joy I could only manage to make him out on one and his face was like thunder and his eyes were red!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Jul 08
I only have one of them left, I got rid of the others because I could not clear them up, but the one I kept was really blurred but when I fixed it on the computer I managed to clear the blurrin a bit thats why I kept it. I will send it if you want though.xx
@checapricorn (16060)
• United States
20 Jul 08
Hi gemini,
I believed the camera was in favor of your child's wish..LOL! Anyway, I know how you feel even if I have no kids! I can recall how my Mom and Dad felt every time My Sister and I will be part of any activities!
If I am in your situation, I will be sneaking also to take some remembrance of the event and I know when he grow up, he will just smile at it! LOL!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Jul 08
Yes the camera was definately on his side! It was strange as no matter how hard I tried I could not get a clear shot and I took six photos.
@mummymo (23706)
•
21 Jul 08
You know what sweety that makes you normal! I always feel that way when watching my kids do anything and I can understand why you felt that way! Weird about the camera hu? Maybe your son knew you were going try and sneak a photo and put a hex on it! lol We aren't allowed to take any photos at these things - it is Council policy in our area and it is such a shame! xxx
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Jul 08
It all just makes me want to cry all the time, as soon as I go into the hall I start! The other parents must think I am well weird!!
@ruby222 (4847)
•
20 Jul 08
Of course we all get a little emotional when our children perform in any way,its a really good feeling ,that child on the stage is yours!!and they are the centre of attraction,and being talked about afterwards.It wouldnt be human if we werent overcome with pride!The thing is that when ever the kids perform we want as many Aunties and Uncles ,Grannies and Grandads that there are to watch them do so!!and we want all the audience to turn and say..Oh isnt he/she wonderful!!I feel its a marvellous feeling to watch any children perform at any level,whether they are particularly good,bad or indifferent,but the picture is a must have!!We ahve all snapped away at our kids ,much to their digust!!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Jul 08
It is only ever me that can go and see them in things like that, no one else ever seems bothered or interested. Excusing my Mum and hubby of course as they both work, but I have invited in laws before and get nothing so I dont bother now.
@marina321 (4556)
•
20 Jul 08
AAwww, I too went to see my 4 year old's nursery class in concert and it was the cutest thing I have seen and will see in a long time. They were all so cute and so adorable and all so proud to have their parents there..
I run late by about 10 minutes and as soon as I got in, she saw me from the stage and smiled saying 'mummy'..It was all awwws and ooh's (like you said, very emotional) through the concert and I took loads of pics and videos. Very precious moments these are and I'd hate to miss any school concerts or activities where parents are invited so I won't..
I had missed work that day due to no childcare and it was well worth it!
I run late by about 10 minutes and as soon as I got in, she saw me from the stage and smiled saying 'mummy'..It was all awwws and ooh's (like you said, very emotional) through the concert and I took loads of pics and videos. Very precious moments these are and I'd hate to miss any school concerts or activities where parents are invited so I won't..
I had missed work that day due to no childcare and it was well worth it!
@Remembering1996 (2219)
• United States
20 Jul 08
Yes I have done this with my so when he had his kindergarden graduation at his school in the cafeteria. I took lot's of them though I didn't have the problem like you had that is rather creepy what happend to you. Mine all came out good. My son is photogetic so he dosn't care if some has a camera or not. I was so proud of him that day and I got emotional for I knew that my baby was moveing up to higher and bigger grades. He is 9 now soon to be 10 next month and going into the 4th grade this year starting in September 2008. Wow I can't believe it how time flies. I'm glad you got to see your son perform and I hope you at least got 1 of the pics to takes for you.
@Cinnamoncandy78 (54)
• United States
20 Jul 08
Yes, I get emotional too because I want them to do well. I am so proud of them. I remember one year my youngest son had to play in our church's Christmas play. He had to play the part of a homeless boy living in a card board box. The whole congregation was crying over that as the play was played around him. It was about people willing or not willing to help a little boy in need who didn't have anyone. I was crying and so was everyone else.
