Vital parenting or not- you decide!!

Had such a busy weekend ferrying the kids around to their various sporting events. The son had a Table Tennis tournament on the Saturday somewhere along the M25 and the daughter had a gymnastic competition on the Sunday, again along the M25. Arose at an ungodly hour both days, Saturday to do the sandwiches, drink bottles and fruit bag packing (not forgetting the Bananas- I watch Wimbledon you know!!). Sunday was an early one to do the daughters bun and make-up for the comp'. How many of you have tried teasing an 8yr olds bedhead of curls into a tight, neat competition standard bun? Half a tub of gel, and 500 clips later it's time for the make-up. Instructions were- white , yellow and purple eye shadow(to match the leotard, looks better than it sounds!), sliver glitter eye liner, mascara, blusher (she's 8, just mention Justin Beiber and hey presto, don't need it!), and lip gloss. So how did the rug rats do I hear you ask- well the son played like a donkey in his first match (actually that's an insult to donkeys), but like a genius in his last, and the daughter- well she got gold and now goes onto National finals. - I still say the make-up and hair had a lot to do with it- pushy Mum, never!!!! Some people think I'm mad spending my weekends and most weekday evenings going back and fore from gym and Table Tennis- but i see it as a vital part of parenting- do you agree?