Beyond the Cartwheel: Helping Your Child Stay Interested in Gymnastics!

Remember that first time your child stepped into the gymnastics gym? The bright colors, the lively sounds, the exciting movements – it’s a truly captivating place! For most kids, gymnastics is an instant love. It’s fast-moving, fun, and nothing like sitting still. It’s common for young gymnasts to not want to leave when class is over!

But as kids grow older, and the demands of gymnastics get a bit tougher, some young athletes start to have second thoughts. They might wonder if they want to keep going or try something new. As coaches and fellow parents, we often get asked: “What can I do to keep my child interested in gymnastics?”

It’s a great question! Here are some of our thoughts and suggestions to help keep that gymnastics spark alive:

1. Let Their Interest Lead the Way
First and foremost, your child needs to genuinely enjoy gymnastics for themselves. Just because Dad played tennis doesn’t mean his daughter has to love it! Encourage your child to explore different activities when they’re young. When they find something like gymnastics that truly excites them, that’s where the magic begins. A child who wants to be there will always learn and grow more.

2. Your Role: Parent, Not Coach
It’s natural to want to help, but resist the urge to “coach” your child. Leave the technical teaching to their trained coaches. They are experts in gymnastics technique, safety, and how to help your child progress. Your role as a parent is incredibly important, but it’s different!

3. Focus on Learning, Not Just “Fun”
When your child comes home from practice, instead of asking, “Did you have fun today?”, try asking, “What was something new you learned or worked on?” or “What was the trickiest part of practice today?”

While fun and play are super important, especially for very young gymnasts, gymnastics training (especially as they get older) isn’t always just “fun.” It involves hard work, repetition, and sometimes even frustration. By asking about what they learned, you teach them that effort and growth are valuable parts of the experience, not just big smiles.

4. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader (With Specifics!)
After practice, offer specific, positive praise. Instead of a general “Good job!”, try: “I loved watching your leaps today – they looked so high!” or “Your cartwheel looked much stronger today!” You can even say, “Let’s show Grandma how much your jumps have improved next time she visits!”

And always, always attend competitions and shows. Be their loudest cheerleader – not just for your child, but for the whole team! Your presence and enthusiasm mean the world.

5. Respect the Coach & Team in Front of Your Child
This is a big one: Never, ever criticize or question your child’s coach, the judges, the club, or their teammates in front of your child.

Children look up to their parents and will soak up your opinions. If you undermine the coach’s authority, your child might subconsciously think the coach isn’t good, and then they won’t fully follow instructions. The coach’s authority is key for your child’s learning and safety.

If you have a serious concern, address it privately and respectfully with the coach or club management. If, after careful consideration, you truly feel the coaching or environment isn’t right, then it might be time to explore other options – but always discuss it with your child and make the decision together, rather than by being critical.

Keeping kids engaged in gymnastics is a team effort between the gymnast, the coaches, and the parents. By focusing on your child’s genuine interest, providing positive support, and respecting the coaching environment, you’re helping them build not just amazing skills, but a lifelong love for movement and a strong sense of self.