DD is interested in gymnastics but I’m hesitant…

[Anonymous]

Is there any concern over physical development for young children taking gymnastics classes? DD is almost 6 and is interested and my only concern is that if she ends up really liking it and continuing, it would stunt her growth. She’s naturally tall and skinny. Is this not true? Or is this a valid concern? Sorry, I know nothing about gymnastics which is probably evident by this question. I know a couple of adult women who did gymnastics through HS and college and both have the traditional gymnastics body type and experienced infertility….

[Anonymous]

How about you walk before you run. There is no way in hell I would ever let my daughter compete in Olympic type gymnastics or figure skating but these kids classes are a long long way from that.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't...

I think it is totally fine to do recreationally and chances are high she wouldn't be super good and love it and go on to competitions and such.

BUT if she is one if few that are very good and go on to higher level, it is a terrible sport for you, physically. Yes it can stunt growth, cause lifelong joint damage plus eating disorders and abuse are rampant.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it. A close family relative developed an eating disorder after doing gymnastics for 5+ years. I would steer towards another sport while she's still young.

[Anonymous]

No, it doesn't stunt growth. Like other sports, there are body types that are better for the sport and better allow a quick rise to the highest levels.

It also doesn't cause infertility. I'm a former college gymnast, extremely fertile - 3 kids, all conceived on first or second try.

It's a good sport to develop strength, coordination, focus. She doesn't need to do it at a high level to get these benefits.

[Anonymous]

We did gymnastics recreationally and my daughter was so good she was asked to do the team two years in a row. Each time we declined for reasons above. But I have no problem with her doing it recreationally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, it doesn't stunt growth. Like other sports, there are body types that are better for the sport and better allow a quick rise to the highest levels.

It also doesn't cause infertility. I'm a former college gymnast, extremely fertile - 3 kids, all conceived on first or second try.

It's a good sport to develop strength, coordination, focus. She doesn't need to do it at a high level to get these benefits.

And if your daughter doesn't have this body type naturally, and wants to be good, she will try her hardest to develop that body type. That is how the eating disorders start

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any concern over physical development for young children taking gymnastics classes? DD is almost 6 and is interested and my only concern is that if she ends up really liking it and continuing, it would stunt her growth. She’s naturally tall and skinny. Is this not true? Or is this a valid concern? Sorry, I know nothing about gymnastics which is probably evident by this question. I know a couple of adult women who did gymnastics through HS and college and both have the traditional gymnastics body type and experienced infertility….

Let her try it! Most kids don't stick with it beyond a few years. And most don't advance beyond a moderate level. At a moderate level, it makes them kick-ass athletes and has some definite benefits for strength, flexibility, self-esteem. But keep an eye out for abusive coaches, and always be willing to ask for a lower level if they try to push you into more than your family or your child are ready for.

It might moderately suppress growth/puberty, but again, you're thinking too far ahead and you're thinking of high-level training. Let her try.

[Anonymous]

Find a rec program and let her take classes. You can say no to competition teams if you don’t want to do competitive gymnastics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Find a rec program and let her take classes. You can say no to competition teams if you don’t want to do competitive gymnastics.

+1. I was about to suggest the same. My girls took all kinds of park and rec classes through Fairfax Co Parks and Rec. It's the best option for letting your kid explore the sport without a heavy investment up front. Most kids will take it a few times and move on to other interests once they find out what it involves.

[Anonymous]

I was not allowed to do participate in gymnastics. My mom, who I now understand was extremely anxious, was concerned about the risk of head and neck injuries. It was embarrassing not to be able to do cartwheels like the other girls and I eventually just gave up on all physical activity outside of swim once I was so far behind everyone else.

I would gladly allow recreational gymnastics for some basic skill building and coordination, although it wouldn’t be something I would steer a kid to (ditto ballet, competition cheer, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Rec gymnastics is fine as is lower level competition. Lots of different types of body types represented and lots of kids who do it for various reasons (increase flexibility for other sports, recreation, etc)

[Anonymous]

Once a week gymnastics is fine. You can decline a more competitive track if invited.

[Anonymous]

Oh my gosh, almost every one of DD's friends did gymnastics in 1st grade. None still do. Only one was really good but she is also really good in other sports and chose to focus on those. Let her try.

[Anonymous]

She could ruin her body going down this path, but it might still be worth it if it is what she was born to do. Does she have the ideal body type?