Generation NeXt Parenting

We’re at one of those crossroads. Decision time.

No, we’re not considering moving. Eric’s not choosing between jobs. I’m past choosing an agent.

Nope, this involves our kids. Abigail in particular. You see, the kid likes gymnastics. She started about 10 months ago and has steadily moved up in the classes and difficulty level. But she just advanced to what’s called level 2 about 4 weeks ago. I figured we were there for a long time. Our friends kids were. And it seemed pretty standard. Nope. My girl decides to figure out the skills in the last week. She’s flipping all over the house.

And flipping into level 3.

I. Am. Not. Ready. For. This.

The mom in me has watched the level 3 girls. They’ve been there awhile. They look pretty good. They do hard skills.

Abigail’s going to be creamed.

But she’s ready. And my husband has talked me out of protecting her. Oh, I want to. One more session in Level 2 and she’d be better able to compete. At least that’s what I tell myself.

Honestly, I’m concerned that she may get discouraged. Start comparing herself to the other kids and see that she’s not there yet. And these girls are older. Not overly excited about that either. I’m also not ready to confront what comes after this level. I really can’t see us doing team gymnastics. We’re not ready as a family to make that kind of commitment, and frankly I don’t want so much of our energy going in one direction unless God clearly shows us it’s okay.

But she’s worked hard. And we’re not there yet. So I’m grateful that God has given me a husband who’s ready to let her be pushed.

And I learned today that she’s getting the teacher I want. An encourager and pusher. Great combination for Abigail.

So how do you balance decisions like this? Any wisdom to share?