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[quote=Anonymous]We have a gymnast who started formal classes/training at age 7.  At age 8 she was on a competitive team (level 3).  She decided, on her own, to 'drop back' to a different form of gymnastics called XCel (it's competitive regionally and nationally but doesn't require the same number of hours/week -- 6-10 at her age, 10-15 next year).  She loves it.  (We no longer live on the East Coast so I'm not sure if XCel has made its way there....)

For a child who craves using his/her body in constructive ways and who's athletic and enjoys it, gymnastics can be AWESOME.  It has taught our daughter so much about herself, about discipline, about teamwork and sportsmanship and coaching.  She has had a couple of injuries, but she's bounced back, and that's been instructive, too.

She will stop at some point, of course, but she's already used the gymnastics skills in soccer as well as in diving.  I know this sounds improbable, but the kids really do figure out how to balance homework, family time, fun, and sport.  They also make friends outside of school -- a huge plus, I think -- and learn the value of so many things (including economics:  our DC's gym has a booster club, and she understands that some of our volunteering supports that so that everyone can benefit from what is admittedly a major financial drain).

OP, please don't listen to all the negativity about letting a 'kid be a kid.'  He will STILL be a kid:  the coaches ensure that as do the children, themselves.  The best party our family has ever had was a sleepover for DD's team. The girls got along perfectly, invented their own games and also pulled out Twister, watched a gymnastics movie in *complete* silence, asked for 'healthy food' and hydrated all the time, and did 'lights out' so they could get plenty of rest.  Those 13 hours alone validated every second of tears and trials (for there are always those in competitive sports):  this truly is one of the best choices our DC has ever made/been able to have in consultation with us.  Good luck!

PS We did check with her pediatrician, orthodontist, etc., before committing -- we wanted to be sure we understood impact on her body, orthodontia, etc.  All clear there :).[/quote]

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