@warmtribute Can speak to this. My son is a competitive gymnast. He started on the team at 7. He's almost 9. He competes in USA Gymnastics sanctioned meets. He is extremely talented. He started going to parent/child "gymnastics" when he was almost 2. Played at that type of gym till 5. Then he went to the "real" gym and did recreational classes, and then was invited to the team at 7. He is so incredibly passionate about the sport. It is incredible to see him compete. It is a huge commitment. He practices 9 hours a week (M/W/F) with the team and does a one hour private lesson on Sundays.
OP we don't have to supervise though. It is an open gym and we are allowed (as it should be) to watch. Usually, we drop him off and come back. It gives my husband and I some alone too which is nice.
I understand what you mean, and it does seem crazy. If we said he couldn't do this, he would be devastated. He has friends on the team and we do play dates. He has school friends and neighbor kids, runs around outside. He's in the gifted program at school and we make sure and also prioritize his education. We also make sure we have plenty of family time on the weekends. Right now, meet season just started and he only does 6 total including the state championships. Once he moves up levels (if he does, it's not a guarantee), he can qualify for regionals and if gets that far, nationals.
I can't tell you how it feels to see your child get a crazy hard skill, gain confidence, be proud when he does well, gets a higher score, sees the dedication pay off when he stands on that podium. He understands being a part of a team of dedicated athletes that support and care about each other's successes. It's not just athletics. It's determination, structure, discipline, grit and growth. He's grown as a kid being a part of this sport. We love seeing his passion for it.
Anyway, I know we are one of those outliers. He may decide it's too much as the hours increase for practice and there are more meets etc. We're seeing how it plays out but right now this is what we're doing. Right now it is worth it to us as his parents.
Edit: OP you are not lazy! This is insane levels of commitment and totally not the norm. I don't know a ton of people in our shoes. I can completely understand how you feel. When we did the team orientation before we decided to do it, I almost fell out of my chair when they told me how many hours a week, the money, etc. I get it. Also, we're not wealthy, but I think it doesn't hurt to mention that he is an only child.