A Day at the Gym ~ Hugs and Head Shakes

BlueEyes had her second gymnastics competition yesterday.
Up at the crack of dawn. Fed the kids, got them dressed, and then wrangled my darling daughters hair into the regulation bun. No stray hairs allowed.
Packed up the family car, and started our two and half our drive to the competition.
All of us were tired, but excited and maybe a little nervous for BlueEyes.
We didn’t need to be. She rocked it. Placed 1st on the Vault, 2nd on the Floor, 2nd on Bars, 4th on Beam, and 1st Overall!! Woo Hoo!
We cheered, took lots of pictures, high fived the winners and hugged the ones who were disappointed. She worked so hard and we are pretty proud!

Gymnastics is a great sport. It fosters independence, strength, co-ordination, team spirit, a sense of accomplishment, and self-discipline, but it can be bittersweet. One slip, one bobble, one misstep, the high becomes a low ,and the first place becomes a last. No second chances. That’s hard for a competitive child. We get through it by being supportive. Telling her fun first. Do your best, forget the rest. Hugs and love. We are proud of you and you should be too.

Not all parents take this approach. In suburbia we have run into all kinds of “parenting styles” and the one I have to comment on today, the one that has been bothering me for months is the “overbearing..pushy..unrealistic expectations parent”.

I’d like to get this off my chest!

Dear Overbearing Pushy Unrealistic Parent,
If your daughter is 10 years of age and is just starting to compete she is not headed for the Olympics. Quit acting like she is. She does not need her own set of bars at home PLUS the extra beam with flooring. You do not need to pay for extra coaching hours over and above everyone else in the group because of her “special gift”. We all think our girls are special pal. Nine hours a week seems to be enough for everyone else. When your child falls, don’t make excuses for her, don’t scold her, don’t shake your head with disgust and disappointment. Shame on you. Give her a break. It’s gymnastics. Falls happen! When your child is crying and carrying on telling you she does not want to go to gym anymore. Maybe you should listen to her! All your complaining, head shaking and demanding..your missing some incredible moments with your baby. Please. Think. Is this her dream…or is it yours?

Signed
The ModernMom

AAhhh. That’s better. Hugs to all the little gymnasts out there!