Thanks for your nice reply. I hope my post helped you some. There are plenty of people on this site that can share their experience with gymmies that have quit, some have come back, and some have moved on. But they've all lived to tell about it, and my guess is that most, if not all of them are perfectly happy. After going through it, I feel like I can look back and see things so much clearer than I used to. You are right in that friends NOT involved in gymnastics just simply do not get it, so they are not going to be a source of comfort to you now. They raised their eyebrows when we first started our dds in the sport, and wondered why anyone in their right mind would allow their children to practice "that much", (even though it really isn't at first). When gymmies have injuries, especially over and over, they think we are contributing to some sort of child abuse. They can't understand why we don't insist that they quit after the first injury. What they really don't understand is how sucked into this sport we get. It's absolutely addicting! It's fun for the kids, and it's such a thrill for them to be trained in something where they are constantly progressing and learning gymnastics skills that any kid would want to be able to do. As parents, we are completely taken in the first time our little darlings stand up on top that podium with the biggest brightest smile we've ever seen. We want to do more for the gym, spend more time with the other parents, and travel with the team. Basically, the lifestyles of our families revolve around their gymnastics schedules. Let's face it- it's a blast! Our kids are healthy, in fantastic shape, talented, out of trouble, and happy. What more could a parent want? Then we get more involved, it takes more time, more money, there is sometimes conflict with coaches, rips, injuries, more injuries, muscle aches, body aches, and sometimes frustration in learning higher level skills for both the kids and the parents who listen to them and dry their tears. Some can handle it; most can't. I wish our time would have lasted longer, but it didn't, so we had to choose a few new paths. Well, this wonderful journey will pass, even for the best of them, and one day it's all over, and let me tell you, it's absolutely heartwrenching. I can't tell you how many tears I cried each time one of mine quit gymnastics. Everything comes to a dead stop, and neither one of you know what to do with your time. As I mentioned, we went down that road, and tried other sports, and all of my kids love what they do now. As I look back, I wonder how we got so wrapped up in a sport that is just that: a sport. If you've read any of my posts, you'll notice that I'm a huge advocate of kids being kids, and not being controlled by one activity. I suppose I'm lucky that my youngest is still involved in gymnastics so we still get our "fix", but she does it very part-time, with other activities going on too. Her favorite is pole vaulting. It's a fairly new sport for girls, and there are wonderful opportunities out there. I know your dd is only 11, but maybe you could ask around to see if any coaches would be willing to work with her so she can try it. My kids were sought out by a fantastic coach simply because they are ex-gymnasts. If she loves gymnastics but doesn't want to do it full time, maybe there are recreational classes near you she could do just to keep her skills up. Or cheerleading! (Bob doesn't like this route- but I think it's great!) Sometimes not doing a sport like gymnastics so many hours a week is a good thing. In my dd's case, her decision to leave gave her muscles time to heal and she actually got stronger, and luckily, better. Nothing hurts anymore!!! Let your dd do what she likes but limit the time so she isn't likely to suffer over-use injuries. No need for kids to run themselves ragged over a sport. Let's face it- very few gymnasts go on to become elite, or even make it on a college team. When they grow up, they are done! I admire those that stay with it long enough to go elite or compete in college, but it's not for everyone. None of mine ever had a chance to get a gymnastics scholarship, though that is very much a possibility in other sports. Because of the way they have learned to budget their time, I fully expect each of them to get an academic scholarship which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. And they love being normal kids with time to go to the mall and Friday night football games with their many friends. They are bright kids, and have all found something that they like, while staying in shape. Your daughter will do the same. I am sure of that. When you think about it, isn't that more important?
