Any Gymnastics Parents Out There? Need some advise...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD loves gymnastics and now Level 6 at her gym. She really did very well the first few years she competed, but I haven't noticed skills improving over the past year. In fact, she's now has a fear of doing some skills that she did very well last year. I'm wondering if it's worth all the time and money to continue in this sport if we don't see an improvement this year. She does have interest in other sports, so if she stops doing gymnastics, she's have more time for other sports which she may be able to do longer in life. Should I have her stick with it, or move on to other sports she's expressed interest in?

This happened to my DD too. There was a lot of progression initially, then plateauing and a lot of mental blocks on things that used to come easily. There was also a growth spurt that complicated things, along with stress injuries. My dd's coach said that she herself got stuck at level 6 for 3 years. I agree with you, it's a lot of time and money and energy to commit to something when your instincts are telling you she's likely reached her peak. DD ended up having to leave the sport due to health reasons so our hand was forced. She's since become a competitive swimmer. I will tell you its a nice change to go from 16hrs a week, to 5. Also, we were sick of the subjective nature of the judging in gymnastics. Its nice to see such measured improvements and victories based on times, not someone's opinion of what you did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could it be the coach/gym she's at? Maybe it's time to switch gyms.

My DD hit a block at around level 7 and I didn't see her improving for about a year. Same skills and not even perfecting some of those.

A friend suggested she go try classes at a few other gyms and within a few weeks she found a coach she was clicking with more and we moved.

If she's still enjoying it and wants to be an active gymnast, I say explore changing gyms. If she's just doing it half-heartedly, then yes, maybe it's time to leave for another sport.

I was thinking the same thing. Might be time for a new set of eyes and coaching styles. If she still has a love for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gymnastics is so dangerous that I would not keep a child in it who second guessed themselves or developed a sense of fear.

I’m guessing you have never done gymnastics. This is part of the whole learning process.

Well that's like every person who's done gymnastics at some point or another, but it does depend on the extent. I actually agree somewhat, because some people have mental blocks they really can't get over. If I had a child who consistently balked I would definitely have them try Xcel track or other sports.

You could consider switching to Xcel Platinum which has a lot more flexibility of skills and most teams you can practice 3 times a week leaving time for other activities.