how far is too far?

my2girls · Veteran Member

how far is too far?

COmomof2 · Senior Member

IMO, I wouldn't travel to far out of the way. I have never gone more than 20 minutes from home.

If it impeeds on their school work(homework) and their regular bed time, in my own personal opinion I wouldn't do it.

It will take a toll on you physically after a while.

But everyone is different, and so is every family situation. I hope that helps a little.

I wish you find the perfect fit for you and your girls, and when it's right you all will know.

Good Luck

Tamara · cheergyms.com Master Poster

We typically take 15 - 20 minutes to get to the gym. I'm not sure how many miles it is. I don't know how much farther I'd be willing to drive. Reading other message boards, there's many families that drive 1-2 hours, how they manage that I don't know.

Pixie · Senior Member

We drive 45 minutes or more to get to the gym 3 days a week. We would carpool, but there is no one else in our area on our daughter's team. There are quite a few families that do carpool from the other teams.

We do it because you can't beat a quality organization. There were cheaper options closer to us, but we had to look at the whole picture. Seeing the attitudes from other gyms' patrons, seeing an ethical and moral standard that was somehow lacking, even checking out choreography and uniforms helped us make our decision.

In the end, it's just a matter of what fits the best. If it is a distance you aren't exactly comfortable with, find out if there is carpooling available.

Hope that helps!

OC Mom · GURU

Since you are new to cheer, I think right now it should be based on your childs dedication to this new sport of hers (his). We drive 30 - 35 minutes each way, but we are lucky that the quality gym is close to us. I knew what we needed when we moved because we've been in cheer for quite some time now.

But I can tell you this. When your child is happy doing something, those extra 15 - 30 minutes are MUCH happier when you are driving. Listen to music (routine music too), talk about your day, pick up dinner, go over school stuff and more in that time. It doesn't have to be "down time" when you are driving. Those could be the most important part of your day with your child if you choose to look at it that way. And what she/he gets out of a quality gym makes up for that extra drive time a million times over in the long run. There will come a day when she/he won't have 30 minutes to chat with you in an entire week. Enjoy it now while you can.

Plus, remember that the more you do it, the shorter it becomes anyway.

COmomof2 · Senior Member

OC Mom wrote:

Since you are new to cheer, I think right now it should be based on your childs dedication to this new sport of hers (his).

So very true!

my2girls · Veteran Member

OC Mom wrote:

Since you are new to cheer, I think right now it should be based on your childs dedication to this new sport of hers.

I'm going to use this advice for now. Thanks a lot. My oldest is only 8 and this is her second year. Even though she shows a lot of talent, she still thinks about what she wants to do with her time, like experimenting with other sports. Maybe I need to chill and wait to see what happens in the next couple years before I stress about being at the "right" gym. It's just a LOT of money to be spending while I'm still wondering if there isn't a different gym we should try. Thanks again for everyone's comments!

COmomof2 · Senior Member

my2girls wrote:

OC Mom wrote:

Since you are new to cheer, I think right now it should be based on your childs dedication to this new sport of hers.

I'm going to use this advice for now. Thanks a lot. My oldest is only 8 and this is her second year. Even though she shows a lot of talent, she still thinks about what she wants to do with her time, like experimenting with other sports. Maybe I need to chill and wait to see what happens in the next couple years before I stress about being at the "right" gym. It's just a LOT of money to be spending while I'm still wondering if there isn't a different gym we should try. Thanks again for everyone's comments!

Very smart decision!

OC Mom · GURU

And remember this too. While she experiments with other sports, if she's enjoying cheer at all, don't let her quit when things get rough. You know what I mean. I call it the CHEER ROLLER COASTER.... Let her see it thru. You will be surprised at the outcome.

May - July: Fun to be in the gym, fun to be with your new team, fun to learn new things.

July/August - October (or when your uniform actually comes in or the first competition date, whichever comes first) Ugggg, why are we doing the same thing over and over again for nothing? The coaches kinda bug us now and the kids are annoying. Especially that girl/guy who is constantly complaining!

Oct/Uniform Comes/Competition Season Starts: Wow!!! We are excited! We got our uniforms, our routines look like something close to a cheer routine now, the coaches and teammates get a new found energy. Things are fun again! For the most part anyway.

January-Feburary-March: Ugggg! Nothing is hitting right! The coaches are on our case now! School work is boring and I don't want to do it anymore! This sucks!!!

March/April: I love my team but Nationals are stressful! Traveling makes it much much much better. But in the gym, I can't stand everyones attitudes!!!

April: WHAT???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OVER??? IT WAS THE BEST SEASON OF MY LIFE!!! NOOOO, DONT LET IT END!!!! (insert lots of crying here)

Tryouts: Two weeks off and I miss everyone. I can't wait till cheer starts again!!!!

Since cheer is a year round sport, you will get those sever swings when things are great then they suck and you're wondering why you even pay for this stuff! But the outcome and the lessons are incredible. If she still loves cheer at the end of this season, check other gyms before try outs. And remember which parts of the gym you're at that you like as well as dislike. And ask TONS of questions. Write them down now as you think of them. You'll be more informed. And always pay attention to that "gut feeling." I didn't listen to mine at first at another gym, and was surprised when what I was worried about came to light. I got out in time though, so I was lucky.

-- Edited by OC Mom at 12:22, 2007-01-09

my2girls · Veteran Member

OC Mom wrote:

And remember this too. While she experiments with other sports, if she's enjoying cheer at all, don't let her quit when things get rough. You know what I mean. I call it the CHEER ROLLER COASTER.... Let her see it thru. You will be surprised at the outcome.

May - July: Fun to be in the gym, fun to be with your new team, fun to learn new things.

July/August - October (or when your uniform actually comes in or the first competition date, whichever comes first) Ugggg, why are we doing the same thing over and over again for nothing? The coaches kinda bug us now and the kids are annoying. Especially that girl/guy who is constantly complaining!

Oct/Uniform Comes/Competition Season Starts: Wow!!! We are excited! We got our uniforms, our routines look like something close to a cheer routine now, the coaches and teammates get a new found energy. Things are fun again! For the most part anyway.

January-Feburary-March: Ugggg! Nothing is hitting right! The coaches are on our case now! School work is boring and I don't want to do it anymore! This sucks!!!

March/April: I love my team but Nationals are stressful! Traveling makes it much much much better. But in the gym, I can't stand everyones attitudes!!!

April: WHAT???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OVER??? IT WAS THE BEST SEASON OF MY LIFE!!! NOOOO, DONT LET IT END!!!! (insert lots of crying here)

Tryouts: Two weeks off and I miss everyone. I can't wait till cheer starts again!!!!

Since cheer is a year round sport, you will get those sever swings when things are great then they suck and you're wondering why you even pay for this stuff! But the outcome and the lessons are incredible. If she still loves cheer at the end of this season, check other gyms before try outs. And remember which parts of the gym you're at that you like as well as dislike. And ask TONS of questions. Write them down now as you think of them. You'll be more informed. And always pay attention to that "gut feeling." I didn't listen to mine at first at another gym, and was surprised when what I was worried about came to light. I got out in time though, so I was lucky.

-- Edited by OC Mom at 12:22, 2007-01-09

So, I guess it's the same no matter what our kids' ages are? What you listed above, has been my "cheer mom" life for the past 2 years. Plus, it's this time of year after we've just come off of a break and other kids at school are talking about basketball, signing up for baseball, and how they can't wait for swimming to start this summer...... that's when I start to hear..... "maybe I could try something else next year?' It's one of those crazy roller coasters that goes way crazy high, and dips down when you're not expecting it!

CheeRacerMom · Veteran Member

I also think the key factor is your child's dedication to the sport. We drive 45 miles which takes 45-60+ minutes 3 times a week. There are closer gyms but they do not offer the skill level, dedication level and safety level that meets my child's needs. If she was just in it for the "fun" we would probably go to the closer gym that all her local friends belong to but she is a "serious" athlete and this is her passion. I don't mind the drive. We have some fun conversations or none at all. Plus, she NEVER complains about cheerleading. If I had to sit in a car for 60 minutes, listening to my child complain it would come to an end real quick.

my2girls · Veteran Member

How old is your child though? Mine is 8 and don't most kids that age whine at least a little here and there? It' only her second year and she is on 2 teams plus she goes to gymnastics. To me that's a lot of dedication for a youngster and I think the times where her mind wonders to other possible activities are normal for that age. Especially since she hasn't really done much of anything else. I guess my original dilemma was when to know that it's time to start making larger sacrifices such as longer traveling to get to a particular organization vs. waiting or settling for something that's closer, easier and perfectly good.... but just not awesome. I think that I just need to wait until she gets a little older and more set in her own mind that this is the only sport for her.

CheeRacerMom · Veteran Member

My child is 14 so she is quite a bit older and mature that yours. She didn't start cheering until she was 8 and had tried other activities including gymnastics. She still has other interests but cheer is what she loves. Sounds like your child has a lot going on right now. If she is happy with her current gym and they have the capability to teach her new skills to move forward then that's what's important. If she expresses interest in moving then consider it. I've always allowed my child to make the final decision in where she wants to go after we discuss all the options, pros and cons. Good Luck!

Nelson · Senior Member

Just wanted to share a short story with all of you. Yesterday here at the gym our landlord came by for a walkthrough. In speaking with her she told me that her 11 year old daughter used to cheer. She can no longer do so because she broke her back, L4 and L5 I believe it was. Can you imagine being 11 and having that type of injury? Anyways, I don't know the full story so I can only share what I was told. She mentioned that she believed the injury was due to a lack of proper instruction.

Sometimes the drive might be worth it.

OC Mom · GURU

And level 4 and level 5 kids MUST have the proper instruction. Could it be that being on 2 teams is alot for her? Maybe just one team AND basketball or soccer? My daughter didn't do more than one team till her 7th year of cheer. And once they hit upper levels, they MUST have the proper coaching otherwise they end up injured.

The drive is ALWAYS worth it. And whining is ALWAYS a part of being a kid. Shoot, mine is STILL whining about stuff and she wouldn't dream of quitting cheer. Now, if I could get her to quit whining.......

Worlds Watcher · GURU

I agree with Nelson! Even if your child is doing it for the "fun" and isn't sure yet if this is their life long sport, as a parent, you need to make sure you have selected a good gym with experienced staff and proper training programs and facilities. My daughter started cheering at age 8 and we had closer gyms, but I chose a program that I felt had more experienced all star coaches. It was worth the drive and money. As stated by OC Mom, you take the opportunities during the drive to bond with your child. And do a lot of "listening". It is more important sometimes then doing all the talking.

cheermom · Veteran Member

my2girls wrote:

I guess my original dilemma was when to know that it's time to start making larger sacrifices such as longer traveling to get to a particular organization vs. waiting or settling for something that's closer, easier and perfectly good.... but just not awesome.

To me, it sounds like you really need to decided what the difference is between a "perfectly good" gym and an "awesome" gym.

What are your issues with your current gym? Is it unsafe? Are the coaches mean?

What is it that you are looking for that you don't think you are getting at the gym you are at - what is making you question?

cheergirl622 · GURU

my mom drives me 15-20 minutes to my allstar gym 3 times a week. at first she thought it was alot but we've gotten used to it. this is my first year cheering for all star and the gym i go to is basically the closest one around but theres another one about 5 minutes away thats not as good so i DID choose but .. there wasnt much to choose from. and since this is my first year it wasnt necessary to find the best gym ever. i'm happy with this gym and i love itt

you should see if the gym is worth your time.

AirborneOwner · GURU

OC Mom wrote:

And remember this too. While she experiments with other sports, if she's enjoying cheer at all, don't let her quit when things get rough. You know what I mean. I call it the CHEER ROLLER COASTER.... Let her see it thru. You will be surprised at the outcome.

May - July: Fun to be in the gym, fun to be with your new team, fun to learn new things.

July/August - October (or when your uniform actually comes in or the first competition date, whichever comes first) Ugggg, why are we doing the same thing over and over again for nothing? The coaches kinda bug us now and the kids are annoying. Especially that girl/guy who is constantly complaining!

Oct/Uniform Comes/Competition Season Starts: Wow!!! We are excited! We got our uniforms, our routines look like something close to a cheer routine now, the coaches and teammates get a new found energy. Things are fun again! For the most part anyway.

January-Feburary-March: Ugggg! Nothing is hitting right! The coaches are on our case now! School work is boring and I don't want to do it anymore! This sucks!!!

March/April: I love my team but Nationals are stressful! Traveling makes it much much much better. But in the gym, I can't stand everyones attitudes!!!

April: WHAT???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OVER??? IT WAS THE BEST SEASON OF MY LIFE!!! NOOOO, DONT LET IT END!!!! (insert lots of crying here)

Tryouts: Two weeks off and I miss everyone. I can't wait till cheer starts again!!!!

Since cheer is a year round sport, you will get those sever swings when things are great then they suck and you're wondering why you even pay for this stuff! But the outcome and the lessons are incredible. If she still loves cheer at the end of this season, check other gyms before try outs. And remember which parts of the gym you're at that you like as well as dislike. And ask TONS of questions. Write them down now as you think of them. You'll be more informed. And always pay attention to that "gut feeling." I didn't listen to mine at first at another gym, and was surprised when what I was worried about came to light. I got out in time though, so I was lucky.

-- Edited by OC Mom at 12:22, 2007-01-09

I love this qoute..it is soooo true. I think that its like this in the majority of the gyms. We had a few practices back from break tonight and luckily it was very productive and not a lull like before we left for break.

We are excited to see all of our cheergyms friends in San Mateo next week...are all the teams going?

cheerwatcher · GURU

AirborneOwner wrote:

OC Mom wrote:

And remember this too. While she experiments with other sports, if she's enjoying cheer at all, don't let her quit when things get rough. You know what I mean. I call it the CHEER ROLLER COASTER.... Let her see it thru. You will be surprised at the outcome.

May - July: Fun to be in the gym, fun to be with your new team, fun to learn new things.

July/August - October (or when your uniform actually comes in or the first competition date, whichever comes first) Ugggg, why are we doing the same thing over and over again for nothing? The coaches kinda bug us now and the kids are annoying. Especially that girl/guy who is constantly complaining!

Oct/Uniform Comes/Competition Season Starts: Wow!!! We are excited! We got our uniforms, our routines look like something close to a cheer routine now, the coaches and teammates get a new found energy. Things are fun again! For the most part anyway.

January-Feburary-March: Ugggg! Nothing is hitting right! The coaches are on our case now! School work is boring and I don't want to do it anymore! This sucks!!!

March/April: I love my team but Nationals are stressful! Traveling makes it much much much better. But in the gym, I can't stand everyones attitudes!!!

April: WHAT???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OVER??? IT WAS THE BEST SEASON OF MY LIFE!!! NOOOO, DONT LET IT END!!!! (insert lots of crying here)

Tryouts: Two weeks off and I miss everyone. I can't wait till cheer starts again!!!!

Since cheer is a year round sport, you will get those sever swings when things are great then they suck and you're wondering why you even pay for this stuff! But the outcome and the lessons are incredible. If she still loves cheer at the end of this season, check other gyms before try outs. And remember which parts of the gym you're at that you like as well as dislike. And ask TONS of questions. Write them down now as you think of them. You'll be more informed. And always pay attention to that "gut feeling." I didn't listen to mine at first at another gym, and was surprised when what I was worried about came to light. I got out in time though, so I was lucky.

-- Edited by OC Mom at 12:22, 2007-01-09

I love this qoute..it is soooo true. I think that its like this in the majority of the gyms. We had a few practices back from break tonight and luckily it was very productive and not a lull like before we left for break.

We are excited to see all of our cheergyms friends in San Mateo next week...are all the teams going?

Oh my, this is soooooooooooooooooo true. I love it, thanks OC Mom for putting it all into words! Our gym will be in san mateo next weekend! Goodluck to airborne and whomever else will be in attendance!