I know this topic has been discussed in different ways in different threads, but I'd like to open it again (because it's cheaper than therapy ).
Let me start with an anecdote. Non-gym daughter has an mini art-show (just the girls in her after-school art class) so my gymmie is missing gym to go and then we're going to go out for dinner with friends after. When I mentioned this to her coach, she asked if DD would like to come practice with the optionals on Wednesday. I ask her and she says that she doesn't know. Time comes when I need to let her HC know if she's coming to Wednesday practice or not, she still says she doesn't know if she wants to go. I do a bit of prodding (I am thinking that she is maybe intimidated by the optionals girls... DD is level 6 and there are no level 7's... only 8's, 9's, and 10's) but it turns out that the reason she is hesitating is that she feels guilty because her dad thinks she spends too much time in gymnastics.
Now, my husband is a wonderful guy, an involved parent, etc. He knew that the previous (less intensive) gym DD was involved with was not ideal for a lot of reasons, and was (theoretically, at any rate) "on board" with the gym switch. But he still doesn't love that she's there 4 days a week, and loves even less that she'll be there 5 days a week next year. I haven't even told him that the summer schedule looks like it's going to be 23 hours a week (though it's all during the day, so I'll actually get to see her more, whereas my husband works from home).
He puts it this way... "What if I had a job that kept me from getting home until 7:30-8:30 pm every week night? You wouldn't be happy with that!" and he has a point. But our DD is so passionate about the gym and LOVES being there. I never felt like that about anything, except for being a mom. I am thrilled by how strong and confident she has become. She has her sights set on becoming a Level 10, so a less intensive option such as Prep Op would not appeal to her. Is she missing out on some family time when she's in the gym? Sure. But would we all be doing our own thing or watching TV or whatever during much of that time anyway? Probably.
I know that I'm rambling horribly. The bottom line is that I understand my husband's viewpoint (truly, if you had asked me 5 years ago if I'd ever consider allowing my daughter to be involved in ANY activity to this extent, I would have told you "No way!") but I do support my daughter's gymnastics. And I definitely don't think it's good for her to feel guilty about the time she spends at the gym. Suggestions on how to find a family balance and keep things on an even keel? Anyone else have a spouse who is less "on-board" with the whole gymnastics thing?
Thanks in advance!
Let me start with an anecdote. Non-gym daughter has an mini art-show (just the girls in her after-school art class) so my gymmie is missing gym to go and then we're going to go out for dinner with friends after. When I mentioned this to her coach, she asked if DD would like to come practice with the optionals on Wednesday. I ask her and she says that she doesn't know. Time comes when I need to let her HC know if she's coming to Wednesday practice or not, she still says she doesn't know if she wants to go. I do a bit of prodding (I am thinking that she is maybe intimidated by the optionals girls... DD is level 6 and there are no level 7's... only 8's, 9's, and 10's) but it turns out that the reason she is hesitating is that she feels guilty because her dad thinks she spends too much time in gymnastics.
Now, my husband is a wonderful guy, an involved parent, etc. He knew that the previous (less intensive) gym DD was involved with was not ideal for a lot of reasons, and was (theoretically, at any rate) "on board" with the gym switch. But he still doesn't love that she's there 4 days a week, and loves even less that she'll be there 5 days a week next year. I haven't even told him that the summer schedule looks like it's going to be 23 hours a week (though it's all during the day, so I'll actually get to see her more, whereas my husband works from home).
He puts it this way... "What if I had a job that kept me from getting home until 7:30-8:30 pm every week night? You wouldn't be happy with that!" and he has a point. But our DD is so passionate about the gym and LOVES being there. I never felt like that about anything, except for being a mom. I am thrilled by how strong and confident she has become. She has her sights set on becoming a Level 10, so a less intensive option such as Prep Op would not appeal to her. Is she missing out on some family time when she's in the gym? Sure. But would we all be doing our own thing or watching TV or whatever during much of that time anyway? Probably.
I know that I'm rambling horribly. The bottom line is that I understand my husband's viewpoint (truly, if you had asked me 5 years ago if I'd ever consider allowing my daughter to be involved in ANY activity to this extent, I would have told you "No way!") but I do support my daughter's gymnastics. And I definitely don't think it's good for her to feel guilty about the time she spends at the gym. Suggestions on how to find a family balance and keep things on an even keel? Anyone else have a spouse who is less "on-board" with the whole gymnastics thing?
Thanks in advance!