I dont see a problem with telling a child you dont have the extra money to pay for it. It shows them that money doesnt grow on trees, other things need to be paid first and you cant always get what you want.

Do you have a rec center that offers gymnastics? Not sure I'd commit to something like that without a few trial classes on it to see if she likes it. I too agree though, one activity is enough, thats all my kids do at a time. But by saying that, does she really enjoy swimming lessons? If you go with the one activity at a time thing and the only activity she can do is the one you pick, she might resent that and start to not like the classes. How long as she been taking swim lessons and how long do you want to keep her in? Gymnastics is definetly something she should get into at a young age if its something she really enjoys (and not just because everyone else is doing it).

Sorry if Im rambling. My dd's wanted to do all kinds of things over the years, but they choose dance and that is what they do.

I know that it can be frustrating to feel like you are saying no a lot to your kids. I have found that offering/explaining the why is important also. Explaining why you feel it is more important to have swimming over gymnastics may help. My oldest also did not want to do a lot with swimming until I said that he would take all of the levels and could eventually become a lifeguard. I explained how nice/good a lifeguard job is, easy to find in high school and college etc. He was then more interested/excited.

Mine also know that if there is limited funds then wants have to wait and that we cannot do everything due to costs of travel, classes etc. They are aware of being bargain shoppers and looking for clearance racks etc...

For an alternative to gymnastics how about a day camp through community education, or a YMCA. In this area the kids have brought home flyers for those types of events.

Good Luck

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AMOAMOM :love:

I always told my daughter when we couldn't afford something or it was too expensive. There was never a problem with doing this. They don't need to grow up thinking that there's a money tree in the yard. From the age of about 2 she would just ask if we could afford something (she wanted a toy at the store - she would ask if I can afford it). I see no problem with that. It certainly never caused her any stress or worry if that's what you are afraid of. It was actually very helpful in my dealing with her. She never pitched a fit or tantrum when I wouldn't buy her something. She was very accepting.

I also tell my boys when we can't afford something, and they seem to understand. They have learned that we do not have an unlimited supply of money, dad works hard for the money we do have. My parents did the same thing and I think I had a very good work ethic and concept of money from an early age. Good luck, I know it's not always easy to admit that you can't afford everything your kid's friends parents can afford.

We don't have a problem with telling our boys that we can't afford something. More often than not I tell them that, if it's true. They don't question it any further and I think it's good for them to know that there is only so much money and we need it for other things.

I tell my children that we can't afford something right now or don't have the money for that right now. I explain, also, that we work hard to earn money for the things that we do have and that we are very careful how we spend money so that we will always have enough money for things we need and much of what we want. I want them to learn financial responsibility.

Also, we live in a community where children are spoiled with their own cellphones in elementary school, a new car at 16 (with no job to pay for car, ins., or gas), all name-brand clothing, individual computers for each child, all the best Wii type toys, etc. I don't want my children to think that they are just entitled to or going to receive everything just because they want it. I'm instilling some priorities and appreciation before they are around children who have different dynamics in their families. Maybe if I lay the groundwork now, we will be able to discuss these issues easily in the future.

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Parker, Wyndser, and Carson....................Wyndser (in blue) with her cousin

Check your local library for resources to teach her some moves at home. A few weeks ago I saw a great video at our library on learning basic moves. They also have some great books about gymnastics. I know because my DD has checked out most of them!

I agree - I share with my kids (2 and 5) that we don't have money for something today. Or we'll need to save up for that item or whatever. I think it is okay for them to know that sometimes you just can't swing it. Lots of other great ideas here - I'm going to check some out for myself!