Women's soccer

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Music lessons! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4

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Riding lessons

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Music lessons! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4

I know a family whose son is considered one of the top pianists in the country. I have to laugh at what we do as parents parallel one another including regular trips down the Mass Pike into the Boston area as well as flying to competitions. The only difference is it cost this kid's parents around $30 grand a year and that doesn't include the loan on the $50,000 grand piano he needs to practice on. This family has to make huge sacrifices, not to mention accepting help, to make it happen.

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Music lessons! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4

Yes, I agree music lessons and riding all cost money. However, would you agree that these activities have more objective ways of determining progress and even enjoyment.

When a girls or boy goes for riding lessons are there 10-20 other children riding while the instructor makes their way around instructing the group?

Or, when they arrive at piano or vocal lessons with both the A and B piano team, do they go through an entire lesson without any comments from the instructor.

Between the ages of 8-14, some clubs brings in vast numbers of boys/girls, take their money with the promise of _______. How do you sit back as a parent of objectively consider whether or not your child is improving and getting the education/experience needed.

How often are parents told not to approach the coach or told that they really no nothing about the game of soccer? This may be true. However, they often know how their children are feeling. The child who come home from his vocal or piano lesson, is unhappy and does not practice at home...you talk to the instuctor and find out what is wrong.

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Dance and gymnastics aren't exactly cheap either. Or tennis and golf. Is there anything that our kids do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

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Yes, I agree music lessons and riding all cost money. However, would you agree that these activities have more objective ways of determining progress and even enjoyment.

When a girls or boy goes for riding lessons are there 10-20 other children riding while the instructor makes their way around instructing the group?

Or, when they arrive at piano or vocal lessons with both the A and B piano team, do they go through an entire lesson without any comments from the instructor.

Between the ages of 8-14, some clubs brings in vast numbers of boys/girls, take their money with the promise of _______. How do you sit back as a parent of objectively consider whether or not your child is improving and getting the education/experience needed.

How often are parents told not to approach the coach or told that they really no nothing about the game of soccer? This may be true. However, they often know how their children are feeling. The child who come home from his vocal or piano lesson, is unhappy and does not practice at home...you talk to the instuctor and find out what is wrong.

That's why you have to educate yourself as a parent. Did you take the time to watch the video clip from the Georgia Youth Soccer Association?

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How often are parents told not to approach the coach or told that they really no nothing about the game of soccer?

This should be a red flag for any parent. I was the one that posted yesterday that you should find a coach who loves the sport because s/he will be willing to share their passion for the sport with the kids s/he coaches. This also applies to parents. Coaches should be willing to share their knowledge with parents too and answer any questions they have. Not in a "I know it all" fashion either, because the good coaches know they don't always know it all and there is still plenty to learn. They should be able to explain the reasons they do what they do without regarding your questions as criticism. Coaches who are insecure about their knowledge may look at your questions as questioning their abilities.