So, here's my problem. My 14 year old daughter has taken dance classes at our local dance studio for 4 years. She tried out for their "company" which does traveling dance competitions twice a month and three nights of classes a week. Turns out she made it. Not at the level she was hoping for, but she made it. My son on the other hand, has soccer Wednesnday nights, games Sunday afternoons. Both have CCD (religious instruction) he on Monday nights, she on Sunday's from 12-2:30. My problem is, my husband travels for work a lot. Basicallly all their activities would potentially fall on me. I can't do it. I feel bad telling my daughter she can't do "company" but I can't commit to driving her all the time. There's no one she can carpool with either. I'd lilke her to just take dance classes, keep it low-key wit one recital in June. She REALLY wants company. Husband and kids don't get it. The just don't get it. I'm at a loss. Part of me feels that life is full of disappointments that this for her is so minor, part of me feels like I should just "suck it up" and do it no matter what the cost. Husband keeps growling at me "Don't discourage her!", WTF??? I really just want to get in my car and drive far far away.....Hi Honey, Religion classes don't go on forever, do they? I personally feel that the dance company is really important. She made the company and that's a big accomplishment and I know you must be very proud of her. Being in a dance company will teach your daughter more than just dance. Why isn't their someone she can carpool with? Could you just drive her to another student's home and she could go with them? It is a big commitment for both of you. A lot of time spent going back and forth, only you can make the decision. How well controlled is your RA? Is there anything else you and your doctor can do to bring you further relief? I'm just throwing out some questions, I don't expect an answer but just some things for you to think about. I hope you can reach a compromise. Lindy Oh Sweetie. When your family doesn't understand what your going through..it is tough indeed. No you do not suck it up if you are not able honey. You need to put your foot down, have a family confress and tell them point blank what you can and can not do. Itappears your family is a bit selfish and selfcentered. If they don't like or accept what you are telling them...then hell yes! Walk away! Sweetie life is to short for you to be in pain without the love and comfort of your family unit. If they truely love you they will help you. You don't cater to them! Much hugs to you and you are in my prayers.Her only other friend that was accepted has a mother who a) doesn't speak English (korean) and b) her mother isn't reliable at all so chances are more than likely that she will get kicked out. I don't see why she can't just continue to take classes instead of having to commit to company. The religion classes here run from Mid-Sept. through April. Lostpoet, yes, more and more I"m realizing they are very self-centered and selfish. I come last. Always. I don't really know how to approach anything. I mean, if I feel tired or fatigued or just plain cross, I go upstairs to my bed, then H says "Why do you run away all the time?" and gets all pissed at me. Kids just think I have the car keys at hand ready to chauffeur them around town. I told Daughter that I could get a local college girl maybe to drive her and she was adamant NO. Doesn't want it to be lilke she has a babysitter. Husband doesn't get it. No one does. I feel very alone.Even though I feel for you, part of me thought, you should really try to make this work for your daughter. But if you have given her the option of having a college girl drive her, and she refused...then I don't feel badly for her. Oh Honey, you are not alone in this. Many of us here are going through similar thing with our own families. It's like I told my husband last night the dr. told me not to walk to much, and he didn't want me to be alone as I may fall again. Well, today had to go get Rx at walmart and hubby wanted to do some shopping. I stood in line for 10 inutes while my leg was getting weak and shaky. After the RX I went to find hubby and I could barely walk. He wanted to shop and I asked for the keys to the jeep and started out the door. Half way to the truck, I had a severe spasm in my leg that put me flat on my butt in the Wal Mart parking lot. I was however helped by kind people and the Wal Mart manager came out to check on me.