justanothergymmom
Proud Parent
OK...So I am not sure if this is a "mini" vent or a question, or what....but I can't believe how expensive gymnastics has become for our family! I swear it started off innocently enough...oldest dd in the tot class, having fun once a week...it has ballooned into all of my dds now involved in this sport...3 on team! I would be embarrassed to give you a dollar amount of what we estimate we will be spending each month this year (taking into consideration meet fees and gym travel, as well as our monthly tuition), but it is comes close to a mortgage payment.
I am not sure how many people can relate to this post, but I imagine those of you with multiple gymnasts, or children involved in other expensive sports/activities or with one in college can feel my pain. I guess I am wondering what do you tell yourself when those doubts creep up as to whether or not the financial cost is worth it? Also, how do you afford it? Are you independently wealthy, working 6 jobs, or fundraising to the point that people turn the other direction when they see you coming? I am just looking for some insight into how other families handle the expense of this wonderful sport. Are there any families that are willing to go into debt to finance their children's activities?
I do want to add that my dds all LOVE gym and have no intention of giving it up willingly ...and they are all young enough that we have A LOT of years left (...to pay for...lol), if they do choose to continue with their gymnastics journey through their childhood. I do know that they gain a lot from this sport that is immeasureable from a financial standpoint, but at the same time we have other bills to pay too! :melodramatic: So how do you all manage to pay for it and what sacrifices are you willing to make so that your kids can continue doing what they love?
I am not sure how many people can relate to this post, but I imagine those of you with multiple gymnasts, or children involved in other expensive sports/activities or with one in college can feel my pain. I guess I am wondering what do you tell yourself when those doubts creep up as to whether or not the financial cost is worth it? Also, how do you afford it? Are you independently wealthy, working 6 jobs, or fundraising to the point that people turn the other direction when they see you coming? I am just looking for some insight into how other families handle the expense of this wonderful sport. Are there any families that are willing to go into debt to finance their children's activities?
I do want to add that my dds all LOVE gym and have no intention of giving it up willingly ...and they are all young enough that we have A LOT of years left (...to pay for...lol), if they do choose to continue with their gymnastics journey through their childhood. I do know that they gain a lot from this sport that is immeasureable from a financial standpoint, but at the same time we have other bills to pay too! :melodramatic: So how do you all manage to pay for it and what sacrifices are you willing to make so that your kids can continue doing what they love?