4.5 year old trouble?

[mariposamama]

I think she is just being a 4.5 year old. Even my almost 6 year old has the same issues sometimes. She has a hard time sitting still and waiting for her turn almost always leads to her ending up staring at the optional girls and watching in awe. She moved to level 4 team 2 months ago and it is getting better, but her coaches seem to realize it is very normal at their age. I have never been talked to about it.

I don't think it should be ignored (and if it is every single class, then maybe she needs to be in a regular rec class as to not disturb the other kids who are more focused, etc), but I don't think gymnastics should be strict at that age. It should be about having fun.

[Blackie6]

Sounds like a normal 4.5 yr old to me!! I was just talking with one of my DD's coaches last night about how far she's come since last year. She had an episode where she got mad about something silly like taking turns or cutting the line and she cried and curled up into a little ball on the floor. Coaches left her alone for a little bit and then picked her up in a ball and made her laugh. The "epsiode" was over and they went on to the next thing. My dd was 6 and now at 7 she complains about how when the pre-team works out with them they cry or get moody and I remind her about how she did the same thing last year!

If your DD is making time changes (increased hrs) or coach changes or class changes, it may be that she needs some transition time and most coaches that teach the little ones know how to handle them. Last yr the little ones in my DD's group (aged 6-9) had a chart for behavior and skills and it worked really well. Even cut down on the silly fighting my DD had w/her little cousin at practices. I am not sure I liked the way your coach addressed the problem. I don't think that any kids at that age understand what "waste of time is" and it's hard for any of them to stay focused. I wouldn't worry about it too much. let her try the new class, maybe the lack of focus is becasue she wants to try something new? I nearly ended my DD's gymnastics because she was acting up in pre-team (age 5). After she was moved to team she loved it and loved learning new skills and working w/older girls. Good Luck!

[starmaker]

My dd1 turned 5 a month and half ago and for the past 4 months things are much better. Last September though she was going through something very similar to your dd. She was for the first time telling me she did not want to go to gym. Mind you in the summer she couldn't get enough gym time. I dragged her to every class. After a few weeks I felt guilty and thought this was not what I wanted for dd. I talked to her coach and they thought she might just be bored with all the repetition in her current class. They moved her to the Level 2 team and she was much happier. But again after a few weeks started up again. I finally dedcided to try finding a different gym that can accommdate her better or quit for a while. ( I was definetly not going to drag her to class every week) We tried another gym that was more serious and more competitive. (dd loves to be challenged and shines under pressure- wierd but true!) During her 30 min evalution she did more skills and was pushed harder than any other day at her old gym. She came out of their gleaming with happiness!! Since there was still a week left of class at old gym I wanted her to finish it. She did not! She wanted only her new gym which by the way was hotter, dustier, and not as big. When asked why she loves the new gym better than old she said in her words: "because they train me better"

Really the real reason is that although it is more serious (no games) they allow moments in training for dd to act her age. If she is suppose to be waiting for her turn on bars and instead is up against the wall holding handstands or cartwheeling or playing hand clapping games they allow it for the most part. While on bars they are strict about being focused on the task at hand. In my opinion it is a good balance that works with dd1

I think your dd is just going through one of those phases. She may also be a little bored in her current class. If she's been doing kickover for a while now she may be ready for the next big skill. I know my dd is all about the next big skill. Once its master she estatic for about half a minute before asking for the next skill. DD just acquired her ROBHS (last week) and last night one the way home was inquiring whether in summer camp they will teach her front or back tucks. Her headcoach has warned me about children like that and said they are hard to coach because they are usually not interested in perfecting or cleaning up routines. I don't know if that will be the case with dd - I guess more will be revealed. I hope some of this has helped you and good luckto you and your dd.

[DynamicMom]

Thanks for the reply, funny thing today was dd's last day with the old coach and she worked on back walkovers and got them all by herself. She had a great practice, beam is not her favorite and she was even excited when the coach wanted to work on cartwheels on it! It just goes so hot and cold for her, however I know what you mean about your dd shining under pressure. At her gyms exhibition last month she came in first place on her floor routine, we were pleasantly surprised. She does not like to do things neat just big! I really do think that I just need to let her be 4 there is such a maturity difference between 4,5,6. Her coaches think it's fine, and she needs to be challenged. They say she is a great athlete and learn fast! I just need to remember that every child has been 4 and this will pass......sooner than later I hope!

[starmaker]

That's exactly what I meant. The moment they start teaching our gymmies something new eg. cartwheels on beam, back walkovers they are excited little gymnasts. My dd is not very fond on the beam either, although she loves handstands, cartwheels, forwards rolls etc. she does not care for leaps, jumps, and is just now starting to get turns...

I always laugh because she'll do a cartwheel on beam no problem but a silly half turn and forget it she's frustrated.

And there is a huge difference in even just a few months. I know its true for my dd. How she thinks today and what she understands as far as whats expected in gym has changed so much in just the last 3 to 4 months. Imagine in 6 months!! Our girls are still so young they are developing faster than a 6 year old. All the skills dd can do and your too and they're cordination and balance still needs to be developed. They are still things such as jump rope dd can't do. and it's mostly because she doens't have that cordination yet. Our dd seem to be very similar in that respect.

Well keep us posted I love to see videos of your dd to share with Olivia and follow her progress. Good luck

[DynamicMom]

Just wanted to let you know, my husband and I were watching some of Olivia videos the other day, she is amazing! She has some upper body strength, and she really seems to love what she is doing. I have not gotten video of Madalynn yet but swear one of these days it will happen! Thanks for the words of encouragement.

[margymmom]

I agree that level 1 may be a good place for her. I think the coaches should have reasonable expectations, in terms of attentiveness, for a child this age. Yet if she is less attentive than the others and distracting the group and the coach, the only fair thing to do is have her sit out until she is ready to focus. If she is motivated by being a level 2, it is a nice lesson for her that there is a payoff for hard work and dedication. I think I'd let it ride for a while and reevaluate in a month or so. If she doesn't come around, she may just be bored by gymnastics. You could see how she does at another activity for comparison. My gymmie dropped out of dance (2 years), soccer, etc. til she found gymnastics, which captured her attention (thank heavens!).

[DynamicMom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by margymmom she may just be bored by gymnastics. You could see how she does at another activity for comparison. My gymmie dropped out of dance (2 years), soccer, etc. til she found gymnastics, which captured her attention (thank heavens!).

After watching this week and seeing her with her new coaches, I think her problem is she likes to be pushed, I noticed this week she was working on skills like her back handsprings and cartwheels on the beam and it excites her because it's new. The coach really thinks her problem is the lack of stimulation in the lower level classes. She also plays softball and loves it, but loves going to the gym. Again, I just need to remember that she is four working with six year olds, and sometimes they have hard days! I'm just thankful for all the patience her coach shows not only her but all the young ones. We are very lucky to have them at the gym!