A
al08506
My daughter started gymnastics at the age of 2 (energy outlet and safe environment for all the jumping she seems to love). She is now 6 and finishing up her first season competiting level 4. She is a powerful and poised little girl and we are extremely proud of her.
For several months, her coaches have been hinting at our daughter joining the 'day program'. This would mean more hours in the gym and homeschooling (our school district is rather inflexible). After her last meet, her coaches were more direct and explained that she has plateaued, given her current amount of hours in the gym (12 hr/wk). The 'hinting' has stopped and become an all out request that she participate in the day program (25-30 hrs/wk). At a minimum, they have asked that she increase her hours (18 hrs/wk).
We are considering both options, as we know she enjoys the sport tremendously. My husband and I already figured out that more gym time = more conditioning and sharper skills. We'd also like for her to be competitive for TOPS testing, as she is finally eligible to test next summer. Is it crazy for a 6 year old to train 25 hours a week? In this scenario, homeschooling will give her more flexibility to "be a kid" outside of the gym.
Academics are extremely important in our family, regardless of their extracurricular activities. Our children understand colleges degrees are expected. Are we hurting her opportunities with homeschooling?
Sorry for the long post, but this is a very tough decision for our family and we are trying to gauge various opinions.
For several months, her coaches have been hinting at our daughter joining the 'day program'. This would mean more hours in the gym and homeschooling (our school district is rather inflexible). After her last meet, her coaches were more direct and explained that she has plateaued, given her current amount of hours in the gym (12 hr/wk). The 'hinting' has stopped and become an all out request that she participate in the day program (25-30 hrs/wk). At a minimum, they have asked that she increase her hours (18 hrs/wk).
We are considering both options, as we know she enjoys the sport tremendously. My husband and I already figured out that more gym time = more conditioning and sharper skills. We'd also like for her to be competitive for TOPS testing, as she is finally eligible to test next summer. Is it crazy for a 6 year old to train 25 hours a week? In this scenario, homeschooling will give her more flexibility to "be a kid" outside of the gym.
Academics are extremely important in our family, regardless of their extracurricular activities. Our children understand colleges degrees are expected. Are we hurting her opportunities with homeschooling?
Sorry for the long post, but this is a very tough decision for our family and we are trying to gauge various opinions.