flat tire: gymnastics team

As should be incredibly obvious, I love to travel, revisiting old favorites and discovering new spots. But what happens when a traveling parent has a kid whose desire is to stay in one place? How do we compromise?

Last week, Chloe tried out for the “training team” at her gymnastics center and was “awarded” a place on the pre-team. She is thrilled. She LOVES gymnastics. She happily pushes herself to do better and better and accomplish more. As her mom, I am thrilled for her when she takes on a new challenge and succeeds. On the other hand, I am not really a fan of all the fuss. Exercise is great, but I have never understood the appeal of “athletics” or athletic competitions.

I am not thrilled by the commitment that “team” requires. If Chloe has to be in practice on Tuesday and Thursday every single week, what does that mean for me and our family? Am I willing to give up our flexibility in order to allow her to commit to the new schedule? If I do, how will she feel if Camille and I go on fun trips without her?

I know, in the scheme of things, this is a trivial question, but for me and the girls, it is a major decision. And I wonder how other traveling families have handled these issues.

fencing chloe