Gymnastics still not letting parents in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dynamic? They have a pretty robust video system to watch the kids. You can actually see more than you could huddled inside the lobby. And the masks are being dropped as well. It’s annoying to some degree but the parent gossip and judging the other girls was out of control pre covid.

Dynamite, yes. We started in fall 2020 so I’m not familiar with the gossip. That must not be restrictive to this gym though (the gossip). Was that really an issue? Wow. The video is meh, and I can’t take screenshots or record the video. With masks, I can’t even tell if my daughter is smiling. How do you know about masks being dropped? I hadn’t heard this. Thanks!

NP. You sound really helicoptery. Just let your daughter take her class without you hovering over her, and ask her later how it was.

[Anonymous]

Good grief. It's your kids activities not yours.

[Anonymous]

Good. I'm glad they aren't letting parents back in. I always thought it was strange how judges and gossipy parents were at these places. Its toxic. Goid riddance to that dinosaur. Keep kid spaces for kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d find a new place to learn gymnastics. I wouldn’t want my kids anywhere the parents aren’t welcome.

I wouldn't put my kid in a place that felt they needed to entertain you. The resources of the program should go toward the intended service.

[Anonymous]

Has any gym started charging a parent observation fee? $25 for the lesson $40 if you want to observe. Seems like the logical next step. If parents want space to hang out, they should pay for the use of the space.

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP, mine in Loudoun has allowed parents in the whole time. We were all masked until recently but they dropped it when schools did.

[Anonymous]

It's because too many parents in this area are a-holes and it costs to much to allow them in a disrupt the class, pester the administration, make a mess in the lobby, etc. Don't expect to get back in the good programs any time soon.

I was just in a dance class with my 2 year old. Parents were supposed to wait in the lobby. A dad kept opening the door to take video and the whole class was disrupted. Moms left disgusting diapers in the lobby Trash can. The staff and teachers probably hate them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dynamic? They have a pretty robust video system to watch the kids. You can actually see more than you could huddled inside the lobby. And the masks are being dropped as well. It’s annoying to some degree but the parent gossip and judging the other girls was out of control pre covid.

Dynamite, yes. We started in fall 2020 so I’m not familiar with the gossip. That must not be restrictive to this gym though (the gossip). Was that really an issue? Wow. The video is meh, and I can’t take screenshots or record the video. With masks, I can’t even tell if my daughter is smiling. How do you know about masks being dropped? I hadn’t heard this. Thanks!

This is a Bethesda and North Bethesda problem. Every activity but girl dominant activities were the worst. Mom gossip was stomach turning gross. I don't blame the activity leaders one bit for keeping that behavior out. It's light-years better for the kids. Honestly, nasty gossip aside, the independence is a good thing. I wouldn't be so quick to give up that opportunity for the kids to grow and learn while separated from you...like school. Once they are 3, it is age appropriate.

[Anonymous]

I work in a facility that is still keeping parents out. I was there for a few years pre-covid too. Having the waiting area closed is do much better for the kids. There are cameras and staff everywhere for safety.

The kids are learning more with less distractions. Seriously, curriculum has advanced 1.8 grade levels per year since lobby closure. The kids can manage their own things better, lateness has become almost non-existent, kids can change shoes alone, zipper jackets, tantrums have disappeared, all of it by themselves. It's quieter too, which I think reduces stress, and performance anxiety while learning new skills. Some privacy among the class while a novice at something feels better as per the students. We have had observation weeks and they get intense. The parents just need so much attention that it is hard to focus on the kids.

Selfishly, it is easier on me. No one is screaming at me because their child was assigned to stretch on the yellow square instead of the pink one. No one is calling the kid out of class to stuff munchkins in their mouth every 5 minutes of a 45 minute class. No one is calling to complain about the special needs child. No one is high or drunk making a scene. No one is physically threatening me because they didn't get their way on some ridiculous request.

I am not sure the reputable places will go back to the old ways. The ethical ones know the new ways are better for their students and staff. Irrating to the parents maybe. But, the owners moral obligations are to students and staff. They are giving the parents the lessons that they are paying for and not concerning themselves with anything else.

[Anonymous]

I think it's great and much less toxic. Let the kids have a good time without constant helicoptering.

[Anonymous]

Former gymnastics coach. I have had more parents than I can count ask how I can get their kids a gymnastics scholarship to a top school. The kids were 5 and under. When I explained how challenging the sport could be they would respond that I was not a good enough coach to spot potential.

… right. I was a former elite gymnast who just can spot a hard worker - not just a good gymnast - a mile away. I actually had one e-mail my boss to say I wasn’t supportive of their Olympic dreams. So no, I don’t miss parents videoing and shouting out to their kids during practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d find a new place to learn gymnastics. I wouldn’t want my kids anywhere the parents aren’t welcome.

+1

There's enough other weird stuff with gymnastics that still not being allowed in at this point would give me serious pause. I'd at the very least ask management what the plan is going forward.

+2

[Anonymous]

Gymnastics mom here ... the gyms are very content not having parents back in. I totally agree with the PP who said the kids are better and more focused without parents watching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d find a new place to learn gymnastics. I wouldn’t want my kids anywhere the parents aren’t welcome.

+1

There's enough other weird stuff with gymnastics that still not being allowed in at this point would give me serious pause. I'd at the very least ask management what the plan is going forward.

+2

I think you are thinking about this all wrong. Keep the focus on your child and communicate with them often. Would I send my kids to some boarding school situation...no. Would I worry about local places...no. remember the silver stars scandal was a parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d find a new place to learn gymnastics. I wouldn’t want my kids anywhere the parents aren’t welcome.

+1

There's enough other weird stuff with gymnastics that still not being allowed in at this point would give me serious pause. I'd at the very least ask management what the plan is going forward.

This.