prairiemom

Tried it....Didn't like it.......

     Hello everyone. I wanted to spend a little time online to mention a situation we found ourselves in recently.

     Our small town of 2700 people has a wrestling program that is well-known throughout the state of Montana for its excellence.

      We were interested to find out that wrestling was even available for very young boys. Thinking it would be a good experience for Jonathan, we went to the parents' meeting and signed him up.

     Fortunately we decided to let him try it before we paid any money. Good thing. It was much more involved than we had anticipated. In addition to paying what seemed like a good amount of money for the season, there were clothing items to acquire and it was expected that the parents spend several hours working both wrestling and baseball concessions as well to cover the fees involved.

     Then we found out that he would be expected to wrestle in at least 3 meets on different weekends, some of them out of town. Plus they held practices 3 evenings a week.

     That would be a lot for someone in high school and was much more than we want for our kindergartner, so we cancelled his enrollment.

     When David and I were growing up, an intensive program like that for very young children, would have been ridiculed. How sad that it is now considered normal for children to be involved in that level of pressure and activity when they are very young.

     Thanks, but no thanks.

     Bless you all.....................Denise (prairiemom)

     Laura, you asked a very good question. How did my son like wrestling? Actually, he really enjoyed the play time before the instruction began, but wasn't too enthused about the training he received. We haven't closed the door on sports, but will be careful to guide him into activities that don't involve so much time, energy or expense in the future.

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{ 06:57 , Thursday, January 17, 2008 } { Posted by Marseeya }

This seems to be the problem with a lot of sports programs. We have thought about some but all seem so ultra competitive, and our special needs son would have little or no success in these environments. I'm glad you were able to check it out before getting really involved!

Marcia

Hi!

{ 07:18 , Thursday, January 17, 2008 } { Posted by Mennobrarian }

Hi there Denise, thanks for the lovely comment! It's hard to believe you haven't had much snow in Montana. About these intensive extra programs- through my job I have noticed many parents don't find such things to be "extra" at all. They think it's necessary! So many parents come to the library to pick up books and do research for their children's homework assignments, and when I ask where the children are, they tell me they are at soccer practice or track meet! It's no wonder we have college students who don't know how to find a book let alone write a paper. Anyway, I think you made a wise decision.
Blessings,
Monica

Good Choice

{ 12:22 , Friday, January 18, 2008 } { Posted by Agsd7 }

Wow! You surprised me when I read that this kind of schedule was for a child in kindergarten. I think your child (children) will benefit in the long run because of your discernment and decision.

We endured a frantic and stressful summer when we signed up our two oldest children for little league about 13 yrs. ago and when the season was over my husband and I both agreed..."Been there, done that."

Sports plays too big a role these days in many kids' lives, and not just in the secular arena. Many of the churches in our area adjust their church services and meetings to accommodate the youths' sporting events. Its seems odd to me, but that is the way these days, I guess. It's too bad. I think the adults are sending the wrong message to these children.

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{ 04:26 , Friday, January 18, 2008 } { Posted by gokings13 }

Just curious....how did you son 'like it'......I mean, did he enjoy the sport? Did he enjoy the competition?

I am a mom of a travel hockey / high school hockey player, and I do see the side that you are on and your commenters. I have spent time with some pretty nutty folks..
But there is a good side to this too. Maybe I will blog about it??

Laura

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{ 04:58 , Friday, January 18, 2008 } { Posted by gokings13 }

Just curious....how did you son 'like it'......I mean, did he enjoy the sport? Did he enjoy the competition?

I am a mom of a travel hockey / high school hockey player, and I do see the side that you are on and your commenters. I have spent time with some pretty nutty folks..
But there is a good side to this too. Maybe I will blog about it??

Laura