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i do competitive gymnastics. it is truly my passion i love every thing about but it is not cheap. now i need braces and they are expensive. i really want them because my teeth are really bad i hate the way they look but the thing is we can afford both. is there some thing i can do so i can do gymnastics and have braces? or do i have to chooses. and if i have to choose which one should i choose?

2007-08-27 05:25:48 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports Other - Sports

3 answers

Do you know if your parents can get dental coverage through their health insurance at work? That might help with the cost of braces enough that you can still train a couple days a week.

You really should see if there is a way to do both. Gymnastics is expensive, I know... between tuition, outfits, gear, etc... and competition fees... but what if you found a way to do it for a lot less? Ask your school if they have any scholarships or if you could pay for some or all of your classes by teaching little kids classes.

Another idea (I don't know how old you are) is to try to earn some money yourself. It would be hard to earn as much as gymnastics costs, but maybe your parents will find a way to pay for some of it if you show that you're trying to help. Whether you're old enough to get a real part-time job somewhere or you just do stuff like mowing lawns, raking leaves, babysitting, etc.

It's not like you're choosing between two activities. It's hard for a kid or teenager to make a decision between things when one is fun and one is more of a necessity.

You should get braces, I hate to say it, but if you don't like your teeth now, you never will. You don't want to be not smiling in every picture for the rest of your life.

Maybe you can take fewer classes in gymnastics or maybe you can go to fewer competitions or try to make your leotards last longer, etc. Maybe there is even a cheaper place to train in your town.

Another thing is maybe you could sit down with your parents and have a discussion about how you could help them save money other ways. Make your school clothes last longer or see if you have a taller friend who can give you stuff she grew out of. If there are other activities you do that cost money, quit those. Maybe even say, could I have three months of gymnastics as my christmas present and three months as my birthday present - I don't need anything else... That way you've got half the year out of the way. Maybe you can also help them save money by only asking for things you really need - don't ask for hair stuff you don't need, or accessories, or new shoes if yours are still ok... I know this stuff is fun but you've got to find a way to show your parents that you're willing to work hard if it means you can have both.

Your parents will probably try hard to make it work for you if they see how grown-up you're being about it.

Good luck!

2007-08-27 05:45:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4 0

The braces will be your best choice IF you have to choose. They are very expensive, have your parents get at least two quotes just so they know they are getting a fair price. I was able to make payments to the Dr. for my son's braces. If you do have to take a year off of gymnastics, you know that you can still do a lot of training on your own. At least to keep yourself limber and in shape. You should mention your financial situation to your coach, maybe they can work with you with paying them also.

2007-08-27 15:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by lifeisgood 5 · 1 0

That is nice of you to worry about the cost of such things...you are definitely more responsible than lots of other young people who may not understand that things like braces and gymnastic lessons don't come cheap. I'm sure your parents want to do everything in their power to make sure you don't have to sacrifice your gymnastics for your dental health. One way I am thinking you could help with the cost is to understand that affording both of these things won't leave a lot of extra money left over for other things you may want, and making things like old clothes or broken electronics, that you would normally replace with new things, last for a longer time will help.

Also, you may want to have your parents ask your gymnastics coach about scholarship opportunities. Many sports/recreation activities directors offer financial aid for students who demonstrate a lot of potential but are having financial hardships. It's nothing to be ashamed of- a scholarship is something to be proud of achieving.

2007-08-27 12:39:26 · answer #3 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 2 0

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