Those classes would be close to 1 hr away for us. I don't feel at all guilty about not offering that stuff to a 4-yr old, but I know the guilt will arrive as they get older. I lived in a large suburban area and didn't have those things either. It's not that I want to deny my kids, but I don't think one MUST have ballet or gymnastics as a child to guarantee success later in life. Art is important to us as DH and I are in creative fields. We never want for art instruction around here and take the boys to art, science & history museums regularly. They are active kids, and I think they will enjoy athletic pursuits and we will make sure they are involved in whatever they want. It will be hard having a far drive to do basic things, but we'll cross that bridge down the road.
I guess I feel that all the riches of urban living are wonderful & although I'd love for my kids to have those opportunities, I also know that at 4 yrs old, they are happy as pigs in crap when they go to the pool or go hiking w/us up to the ridge, or go biking down our gravel road w/their friends. I know it won't be forever about "fun" and that I have to make sure their world gets broadened and that there are regular educational opportunities. I do get that. I do get that as they age, the simple pleasures may not be enough any longer. I'd just like to hold onto that as long as I can and give them "more" as something extra & special when I know they really want it and will get something out of it, not something to be expected daily that holds no meaning.
The social stuff is probably most important to me. I want my kids to be socially adept and to be confident kids. I think where they live may not play as big a role in attaining that as much as what/who I expose them to. But I'm new to this role as a parent, only 4 yrs into it. I certainly have been wrong lots before and have eaten my words lots of times already!
