How Can Parents Help to Keep Kids Interested in Sport?
Most kids like gymnastics because it is fast-moving, variable, and not static. Gymnasiums are full of colors, sound, and movements. Kids just feel fascinated. Most don’t want to leave when classes are over.
However, as they grow older and the curriculum and demands of the sport advance, some young athletes have “second thoughts” about whether they would like to continue or quit.
Often, parents ask us what they can do to keep kids interested in gymnastics.
Here are some of our thoughts and suggestions.
- First off kids have to like the sport they involved in. The fact that her father played tennis when he was young is not enough of a reason his daughter has also play tennis. She has to express interest on her own in a given sport. What parents can do is to introduce their children to various activities and then select one that suits the child best. Natural ability for a chosen sport also plays role-if high results is your goal.
- Do not try to “coach” your child. Leave it to her coach.
- On the way home from practice try to avoid questions like: “Did you have fun at practice today?” Ask instead: “What did you learn today?” Athletic training is not always tantamount to fun. At some levels it is hard work. Children should certainly enjoy the training process, but it is not always “fun”. Fun and play are essential parts of the workout at a very young age.
- If there is a viewing window to watch lessons, say after the class: “I enjoyed watching you today. Your cartwheel has really improved and your jumps are higher. Let’s show it all to grandma when she comes over.”
- Come to all competitions and shows. Cheer for your child and for other members of her team.
- Never question, criticize or make negative comments about a child’s coach, judges, club or other kids on your child’s team in the presence of your child.
In the mind of a child, parents are always right. And if mom or dad thinks that the coach is not good, then the child will subconsciously think the same and not follow the instructions thoroughly. In short, the authority of the coach should be unquestionable. If you do not like the coach, then take your child elsewhere.
Happy Gymnastics to all!!!