These pictures are at home because I can't get good pics through the glass at the gym.
A shot Ellie just because she is so cute! She also goes to gymnastics once a week. She does not have near the drive as Alison though.
A few weeks ago Alison's coach, Ms. Kate, approached me about how well Alison was doing in her Super Tots gymnastics class. She wanted to move her to an invitation only class (you can't just sign up, you have to be asked) to get her ready for try outs for Level 3. These tryouts are in May sometime.
I can't decide how I feel about it.
On one hand...
*If she loves it, and this is the sport she wants to pursue, I want to encourage her. (she does love it - she practices every day at home without me saying anything to her about it)
*If she wants to have a career in gymnastics (career as in sports career...not as in earning money career) then she pretty much has to start now, or she will be done by the time she is 7. That's just how gymnastics works.
*She is the right size and body type to excel in the sport - so it's definitely a sport that she has a chance to be good at, you know what I mean? As opposed to basketball.
On the other hand:
*It is a lot of pressure, for a 5 year old, to have to try out.
*It takes a lot of time. At least 3 evenings a week if she makes the team.
*It is crazy expensive. The leotards are at least $100 each (but they are used all season)...the meets are around $200 each (there are 4/year for Level 3) and you have to pay for gym time (right now we pay $275 for twice a week for 8 weeks)
I could have probably swayed her not to do as easily as I could have swayed her to do it, so it is pretty much up to Brian and I. We were both on the fence, so we were of no help to each other! It just seems like a lot of money and a lot of commitment for a 5 year old!
Brian and I talked it over and for now, we have decided that she can move to the new class and go twice a week, rather than once. Her coach promised me that they make the tryouts fun and not high pressure, so we have decided to let her try out. If she doesn't make it, our decision will be made for us. I just don't want to have to think about what the conversation will look like if she doesn't make it. At the same time, I don't want to keep her out to "protect" her from disappointment. Sometimes it's hard to be a parent :o)
A shot Ellie just because she is so cute! She also goes to gymnastics once a week. She does not have near the drive as Alison though.
Alison looks like she knows what she's doing in her pictures!
ReplyDeleteEllie is adorable!
I think even though there is the possibility of her being disapointed and not making it, that it is good for kids to learn young that there are times that they will succeed and times that they will fail.
It sounds like a lot of money. I guess we find a way to get our kids involved. Keep us updated on how she does!
Alison is so cute.
ReplyDeleteYou and Brian are great parents. You love your kids and give them opportunity's to experience life. There is nothing wrong with that!
Sorry it has to pinch the wallet:O)
Both of the girls look cute doing their gymnastics. It sounds like Alison is having a great time.
ReplyDeleteI think you will find that Alison will make the decision for you. She is interested in lots of things and should experience lots to choose her own direction. The pressure will probably be worse on you than on her. Just prepare her for the fact that this might not be the time to go on...
ReplyDeleteI agree that you and Brian are wonderful parents. With that, all will work out.
I love you,
Mom
That is so cool that your thinking of giving her the chance. I always wished my parents had done stuff like that for me, but money is a big deterrent. You're a great mom :)! They look so cute.
ReplyDelete