Pulling Kids From Extra-Curricular Actvities (Oh, a mother torn!_

[belle&sebastiansmom]

DD5 took gymnastics all summer. She really enjoyed it.

The gym takes about 45 minutes to get to.

She's missed a month of classes due to illness (2 weeks), our Disney vacation (on week) and Labor Day holiday (gym closed.)

In that month she hasn't asked about gymnastics, when is she going back, etc.

Now that my DH's work schedule has changed I'll have to drag my 2 year old along as well. That will be fun, trying to keep him entertained!

Anyway, I'm feeling selfish for thinking of not continuing her in gymnastics. Reasons: Now that summer is over, with the class being so far from our home we are really rushing after school. The extra money saved on tuition and gas will help our family. And as much as my kids seems to pick up illnesses, I feel like I'm throwing away money with every class she misses.

But, I like the idea of her being involved in an activity. She did dance for a couple of years, she wanted a break from it this year (which was great because that was REALLY expensive.) There are always Wednesday night activities for kids at Church, which are free and close to our home. But is this enough?

So I'm being hard on myself. I want my kids to have every opportunity.
I feel torn, or guilty, for pulling her out of her activity, even though I really think she could take it or leave it. She's a great kid and would be happy working on crafts at home with me or going to the park. But is this enough?

Based on my vagueness, what would you do?

 

[Redheaded Sunshine]

45 minutes is a LONG time to drive your daughter to a gym. Try checking through the parks and recreation department in your town to see if they offer any gymnastics or dance. Sometimes these are MUCH more affordable than gymnastics (I know how pricey that can be, my daughter's in it too) studios. If you decided to go back with gymnastics, look for a gym that will allow her to make up missed classes. If my DD was sick, her old gym allowed her to take another class that week to make up for the one she missed.

 

[okeydokey]

There will always be another activity. If this one is too hard to do and she's not clamoring to go back, I'd forget it.

 

[mickeyboat]

Now is the time to expose her to lots of different activities. See if you can find something else closer to home and more convenient for you that she might like to try.

 

[Darcy03231]

I'd pull her out and try to find something she's interested in closer to home.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

At 5yo, I would not drive 45mins to a gym during a school week. That is just too much.

Try different things.

 

[PatsMom]

I am another who would try to find an activity closer to home. That is a ridiculous amount of time to spend getting a 5 year old to class.

Have you thought about Daisy Scouts? That is the age group younger than Brownies. If you could find a group closer to home it might give her a fun activity.

 

[mom2rb]

I coach gymnastics. I think that if she didn't miss it, it is not the sport for her. It may be in the future, but for now, I would find a new activity for her. She is five, now is the time to try lots of different things.

 

[kafitty]

Now is the time to expose her to lots of different activities. See if you can find something else closer to home and more convenient for you that she might like to try.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'm with others on this, if she doesn't seem to miss it, find something else for her closer to home.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My 5 yo daughters dance school is about 40 minutes from our house.

This is DD's 4th year already, but she loves it. Her first class back is tomorrow and she is constantly asking, is it time for dance and gymnastics yet.

when she's not at class, she practices her, cartwheels, splits and roundoffs continuously. I know its far and takes alot of time out of our day, but I know she loves it.

If she showed no interest, I would probably drop it.

 

[mjkacmom]

45 minutes! I left a nicer gym because it was 13 minutes away, and we're back at the one 2 minutes from home. At that age, you could put her in something else - dance, swimming, art. We're lucky to have a lot close by - there are a dozen dance studios within 10 minutes of our home!

 

[HunnyPots]

Honestly, at age 5, I don't think kids need extracurricular activities at all! Just let them play - they will be fine.

 

[shirleyb]

Since she's only 5, she's got plenty of time to get involved in more extra-curricular activities.

Is there a Daisy Girl Scout troop at her school?