Where do I Draw the Line?

Being a parent isn’t always easy; heck, it’s rarely easy. Especially, I think, when we talk about teenagers. One challenge is knowing where to draw the line between letting kids make their own decisions (and mistakes), versus stepping in and laying down the law. Here’s an example.

My oldest daughter, God bless her, is focused on and determined to get as much college completed in high school as possible. This so she will have less time needed to complete her education after high school, thus saving her parents lots of money in tuition, and lessening her need for student loans, etc. And whatever else may be her motivation (she’s a very private person), she is strong-minded and resolved. She attends an Early College High School.

The curriculum and homework by itself is enough to be rigorous to most kids, but she also participates in competitive gymnastics. She is a level 7 optional gymnast. Which means she practices – a lot!

It is the combination of both that is my worry, as it is too heavy a load. Staying up until 2am to get it all done isn’t the answer, as she is becoming more and more sleep deprived, and I worry that she will injure herself or become sick. So as a parent, where do I draw the line?

I admire her tenacity to get a good education and I feel proud that she is so dedicated. And while I don’t think gymnastics is as crucial as her education, it is still important. She’s building strength, flexibility, and coordination, and it is a physical release for her of some of the stresses in her life. She also LOVES it.

So how do I respond to this situation when I see the toil this heavy load takes on her life? Do I suggest she go to an easier school that will still provide her a good education? Or do I tell her to back off of gymnastics and not worry about her competitions? Do I insist in one or the other? Where exactly is that parenting line – where I let her make her own decisions versus where I step in and make the decision for her?

I want to be a supportive, loving parent that does the right thing for my kids. I just wish it were easier to know exactly what that is.

New TV Series review, Make It or Break It

Make It or Break It, a new TV show featuring the drama surrounding national champion gymnast hopefuls, premiered last night on ABC Family. Of course, having a gymnast in the family, we couldn't wait to see this new show.

Like watching the Olympics, I enjoyed seeing the spectacular feats performed on the beam, bars, floor, and vault. Since I did not see a whole routine executed start to finish without a lot of flashes to the feet, I am curious who performs the routines for the filming. It requires great physical strength, balance, and poise to be a gymnast, and the exercises performed appeared advanced to me. I would love to know who the actual gymnasts are!

Although I missed the beginning and didn't see the complete episode, part of what I saw was a lot of cutthroat between the team members. The show appeared to be as much drama as gymnastics, and heavily geared to the teen viewer. My daughter said she really liked the show, and I am reserving my opinion until after I've seen a full, future episode.

My hope is that the show will continue to feature amazing feats that will lure more spectators and participants into the sport of gymnastics. Even for kids not competing at a national level (lets face it, most of them aren't), the physical benefits of gymnastics are easily evident. My daughter is in excellent shape as a result of the sport.

Did you see Make It or Break It? What did you think?