Bri started her "invitation only" gymnastics class back in August and she has come a very long way in 10 months. She improves with each class and her coach always has nice things to say about her (I love her coach). But realistically, I don't ever see Briana becoming a gymnastics superstar. The gym held evaluations this past Saturday, and it was recommended that she continue with the class she is in with possibly adding some strength and flexibility training. Bri is most certainly not ready for team yet, and I knew that going into the evaluation. My problem is that I don't think she ever will be ready for team. And I don't think she wants to be on team. Bri goes to class once a week and likes it enough, but she doesn't light up when she talks about gymnastics. There is no huge spark. I plan to continue her with classes through the summer, but then I think I am going to pull her out. I have spoken with Bri about it, and she is fine with that decision. I know her coach will be sad, but I honestly don't ever see her moving on to team. She doesn't have the ability and focus (right now) or the passion for team. Gymnastics is a lot of hurry up and wait, and Briana prefers constant motion (if you couldn't tell - snort).
Elementary school starts in the fall and it will be 5 days a week. I don't want to overwhelm Bri with a new school and too many after school activities. I think I need to pick one activity and go with it. And I think it will probably be soccer. I asked Bri the other day if she preferred soccer or gymnastics and she said soccer. We are no longer with Soccer Tots because they didn't offer any classes this spring at times that were convenient for us, so I think I am going to start Bri somewhere else in the fall. I most definitely think she is ready for soccer field play now, and I have several good recommendations for places from friends.
I honestly don't know what Briana's "thing" is right now. But she is only 4.5 years old, so I guess it is a bit early to know what she really wants to do yet. I don't want her in too many activities. I think she needs to enjoy being a kid. I want her to have fun and have some down time. Who knows - one day she may decide that she rather take dance, piano, karate or art. I just want her to be happy. I am going to try my best to follow her lead.
9 Kind Words:
Sometimes you just know what your kid's "thing" is. Becky was singing like she ought to be on Broadway from the time she was 3. There was no question about it. It was her niche, and everyone who heard her sing noticed, too. I wrote about it in her baby book. And look at her now. Majoring in musical theater in NYC.
As for Lily, she's more eclectic. She's good at art, dance, academics. Who knows what she'll end up really loving. I just hope it's something that makes her really happy and makes her a boatload of money so she cannot support her Momma in her old age.
We do that with Kayla, too - one activity besides church stuff on Wednesday night. Otherwise we end up running all the time and no time just to be with each other.
Nancy
www.workingmomadventures.com
You're making a good decision for Briana. I had similar concerns for Kelsey, and we've kept her in dance for three years - she loves it and had made good friends. You might consider this, because dance is motion AND listening :)
I took her to a free trial gymnastic class and she told me after 10 minutes that she "hated it" soccer wouldn't work for my girly girl either (although I think the uniforms are cute)
When Briana starts K, you might consider Daisy Scouts if offered...good friends and good values and goes the full school year - not seasonal.
I think being open and flexible is so important for a child...lets you accept lots of playdates without shuffling or being overly "planned"
Good luck! :)
Sounds like a plan! I seen so many kids doing far too much after school activities and the parents frazzled takng them here there and everywhere.
Over scheduled children can cause a tremendous amount of stress. Children need to be able to entertain themselves. It's a life skill that many children never grasp. Too much structured time may leave gaps in their development. Balance is the answer to everything.
I think you are wise to limit activities - especially at this age! I'm amazed at the number of 4-5 year old kids that are in school/daycare and several outside activities. Gymnastics for 3 hours a day for a 5 year old - NUTS! When do they have time to play outside, hang with mom, color etc? My daughter is 13 and we have always limited it to one sport a season and one artistic activity. She has done piano (once/week) for years and rotates with XC, basketball and track season. Now that she is in MS the athletics are after school, before the leagues she played on were rec so only 1 practice and 1 game/week. Along with Girl Scouts that is plenty to keep her balanced and yet exposed and involved. You're on the right path! Best!Nancy
Don't worry, you'll find Briana's "thing" in time.
Soccer is a great choice! Move over Mia!
Michaela
Good for you for noticing this type of opportunity and for proactively helping her navigate the many choices available to kids nowadays! We do basket ball 2x a week for an hour - I think that's plenty for a 5 year old. He also takes art after school once a week, bc he asked for it and I figure its good for his fine motor skills.
But, I think its important to branch out, so this summer we're taking a break from basket ball and trying tennis - we'll see how that goes :)
So far we have not found Naomi's "thing" yet either. She really liked swimming lessons and music class. We have her signed up for summer soccer so I guess we'll see how that goes. She hasn't tried ballet or gymnastics yet. At the school she will stay for the after school program where they offer a bunch of organized activities like hip-hop dance, karate, sculpture, etc... so maybe she will find something she loves. It's funny because for my son it's been hockey since he was 3 year old!
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