Decision about gymnastics-help!

[Anonymous]

My daughter has been taking gymnastics every Saturday for a couple of years. She’s only 6. I was approached by one of the coaches about having her join the pre-competition track and I’m not sure what to do. It would mean longer practices 2 nights a week. She wants to do it, as she really enjoys her class. My husband is totally against it and wants her to try other activities. I’m torn for some reason. I’m hesitant to have her do it (due to the time and $ and overall commitment factor) but the thought of saying no makes me really sad for some reason that I can’t put my finger on. Any advice from anyone who’s been there done that? (or anyone at all, really) Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Is she GOOD? Like do you see real potential? Is she petite with a strong gymnast body? Could she have a future? If yes, maybe that’s why you feel bad?

[Anonymous]

I would do it if she wants to. If she does it much older, she will not get on team/good coaching. Let her try it and then decide.

[Anonymous]

A six year old needs to be home on school nights.

[Anonymous]

My DD was invited to team last year (she was 5) and we debated as well. In the end we signed her up since she really wanted to do it. One year later and we're faced with another decision on whether we continue on with the program. She moved up to the next level which means 3x/week practice versus 2x. My daughter loves to swim too and really wants to join a swim team but not sure how we would do both with gymnastics practices being so frequent. When I ask her what she wants to do more she says swimming but I think some of that may be due to the fun summer league environment she's currently experiencing. What other sports does your daughter play? With practices only twice a week she could still try other things. But be warned that once you commit, it's hard to get out.

[Anonymous]

Are you at a good gym, OP? I ask bc you have to be confident that she’s getting the proper safety supervision.

[Anonymous]

My sister was a gymnast as her main activity and she thinks it’s one of the main reasons she is successful in a male dominated field. I would try it - you can always switch back to more casual if you m/she wants. I disagree that you have o see D1 potential in a six year old to let her advance a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
A six year old needs to be home on school nights.

For what? To study for mid-terms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
A six year old needs to be home on school nights.

For what? To study for mid-terms?

Who cares about a six year old child getting sufficient sleep, huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
A six year old needs to be home on school nights.

For what? To study for mid-terms?

Who cares about a six year old child getting sufficient sleep, huh?

Did someone say these practices were late into the night? I feel sorry for your children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter has been taking gymnastics every Saturday for a couple of years. She’s only 6. I was approached by one of the coaches about having her join the pre-competition track and I’m not sure what to do. It would mean longer practices 2 nights a week. She wants to do it, as she really enjoys her class. My husband is totally against it and wants her to try other activities. I’m torn for some reason. I’m hesitant to have her do it (due to the time and $ and overall commitment factor) but the thought of saying no makes me really sad for some reason that I can’t put my finger on. Any advice from anyone who’s been there done that? (or anyone at all, really) Thanks!

How late 2 nights a week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter has been taking gymnastics every Saturday for a couple of years. She’s only 6. I was approached by one of the coaches about having her join the pre-competition track and I’m not sure what to do. It would mean longer practices 2 nights a week. She wants to do it, as she really enjoys her class. My husband is totally against it and wants her to try other activities. I’m torn for some reason. I’m hesitant to have her do it (due to the time and $ and overall commitment factor) but the thought of saying no makes me really sad for some reason that I can’t put my finger on. Any advice from anyone who’s been there done that? (or anyone at all, really) Thanks!

How late 2 nights a week?

Preteam is usually 6 hours per week. 2 hours after school, 2 days a week, and then 2 hours on the weekends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter has been taking gymnastics every Saturday for a couple of years. She’s only 6. I was approached by one of the coaches about having her join the pre-competition track and I’m not sure what to do. It would mean longer practices 2 nights a week. She wants to do it, as she really enjoys her class. My husband is totally against it and wants her to try other activities. I’m torn for some reason. I’m hesitant to have her do it (due to the time and $ and overall commitment factor) but the thought of saying no makes me really sad for some reason that I can’t put my finger on. Any advice from anyone who’s been there done that? (or anyone at all, really) Thanks!

How late 2 nights a week?

One was on a Saturday. The other weekday class ended at 6:30.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter has been taking gymnastics every Saturday for a couple of years. She’s only 6. I was approached by one of the coaches about having her join the pre-competition track and I’m not sure what to do. It would mean longer practices 2 nights a week. She wants to do it, as she really enjoys her class. My husband is totally against it and wants her to try other activities. I’m torn for some reason. I’m hesitant to have her do it (due to the time and $ and overall commitment factor) but the thought of saying no makes me really sad for some reason that I can’t put my finger on. Any advice from anyone who’s been there done that? (or anyone at all, really) Thanks!

How late 2 nights a week?

Preteam is usually 6 hours per week. 2 hours after school, 2 days a week, and then 2 hours on the weekends.

It was 2x a week (2 hours each) - 6 hours was the next level up. Totally not a big time commitment for the younger levels but prepare yourself!

[Anonymous]

Op, you said she's "only" six. I agree.
Listen to your gut.