Teen going away from home to train

[Anonymous]

My DC has the opportunity to go away to train at a specialized activity. Child is now 14 and could go away this year or next. Would have to finish high school online. Although child is pushing for it, I'm not ready for them to go away this year, but am willing to consider next year. Child is very good at their activity and has a legitimate opportunity to excel at it. Training would be in a city that is not close to home. There is not option for me or family to relocate with child. Anyone been there done that?

[Anonymous]

I know someone who did this for hockey. Seemed to work out well. He's going to an Ivy League and was drafted by the NHL. Doubt that would have happened had he stayed at home.

[Anonymous]

I would do it for a camp but I would not do it for a year and hope for the best. Where would they live? I'd be concerned as there is so much abuse with coaches. If they were with a family or friend, yes, but otherwise no in less you go.

[Anonymous]

I did this as a 15 year old female and was really exposed to way too many older males having access to by body and my life in general. I wasn't "abused" but I also was not treated right and it was a lot for me to unpack in my young adulthood. This was an olympic level facility where the best of the best trained. We had house mothers but in my opinion they only encouraged the strange relationships that unfolded.

[Anonymous]

What potential in the activity is their? Child could get a college scholarship or actually make a professional living from activity? What is the probability of actually progressing to highest level? Is it ballet?

[Anonymous]

Wow, what an opportunity! But I'd have a lot of trouble with it, too, especially since he'd wind up doing most of high school online. That sounds really hard. I thought these types of programs usually had teachers onsite to at least help with the lessons. Would it help if you could get in touch with a family that is participating in the same program? I bet the program directors would help you with that if you asked. That way, you can get more information about the academic program and how the children have coped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC has the opportunity to go away to train at a specialized activity. Child is now 14 and could go away this year or next. Would have to finish high school online. Although child is pushing for it, I'm not ready for them to go away this year, but am willing to consider next year. Child is very good at their activity and has a legitimate opportunity to excel at it. Training would be in a city that is not close to home. There is not option for me or family to relocate with child. Anyone been there done that?

Opens up a lot of opportunity for abuse. I would never even consider it.

[Anonymous]

Given all that is come out with the USA gymnastics program, I would really need to think carefully before allowing my kid to do something like this.

They are the ones who go caught.

I am sure gymnastics is not the only sport where this is going on at high levels.

[Anonymous]

OP here: This is an activity for which teens typically go away at 17 at the latest. 14/15 is young but not unheard of. Child will definitely do this activity professionally. School will definitely be online. There is not academic program.

[Anonymous]

Is your child mature enough to finish high school on line?

My child would not have been.

[Anonymous]

Where would they live? Who would love ok after them?
Can you go visit monthly?

[Anonymous]

People send their children to boarding school. And people who have their kids in competitive activities, like gymnastics, do the online schooling. I have been asked to consider online schooling for my gymnast child. I haven't, but I do know others who have and are happy with their choice. I also know people who are happy with their choice to send their child to boarding school. Personally, I am glad not to be in that position because I would really miss my child. But, I'm not sure denying the opportunity and dealing with the disappointment and loss of opportunity would be any better of an alternative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: This is an activity for which teens typically go away at 17 at the latest. 14/15 is young but not unheard of. Child will definitely do this activity professionally. School will definitely be online. There is not academic program.

Ballet company apprentice?

Can she go to one of the places that are a ballet based boarding school? Or can she try for a local ballet company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who did this for hockey. Seemed to work out well. He's going to an Ivy League and was drafted by the NHL. Doubt that would have happened had he stayed at home.

I knew a kid like that... his grandma moved away with him to the far-off location. And he did school at a school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: This is an activity for which teens typically go away at 17 at the latest. 14/15 is young but not unheard of. Child will definitely do this activity professionally. School will definitely be online. There is not academic program.

It sounds like you have already decided. Why are you soliciting opinions?