Regarding 'Quitting Dilemma'& need some advice

[catesmom]

I agree with the previous posts. My gymmie is turning 13 in a month, and entering 8th grade. The pressures did start to get to her when she hit 6th. We have chosen to pick and choose activities that she enjoys. If there is a dance she wants to attend, she misses a practice, she knows not to ask during meet season, not even a option. She LOVES girl scouts especially now that she is a aide for the younger girls, it is an activity that allows her to meet a lot of people(she attends a private school) and feeds her desire to have a life outside of the gym.

She plans activities with both her school friends and her gym friends....just a warning here, the two don't mix well, we tried. She is having a Spa b-day party with her school friends, and then the next weekend a movie/sleepover party with her gym friends. I think if you follow your instincts, and make the effort to find outside activities you both will be happy.

Good luck to both of you!

[msl529]

Quote:
Originally Posted by catesmom I agree with the previous posts. My gymmie is turning 13 in a month, and entering 8th grade. The pressures did start to get to her when she hit 6th. We have chosen to pick and choose activities that she enjoys. If there is a dance she wants to attend, she misses a practice, she knows not to ask during meet season, not even a option. She LOVES girl scouts especially now that she is a aide for the younger girls, it is an activity that allows her to meet a lot of people(she attends a private school) and feeds her desire to have a life outside of the gym. She plans activities with both her school friends and her gym friends....just a warning here, the two don't mix well, we tried. She is having a Spa b-day party with her school friends, and then the next weekend a movie/sleepover party with her gym friends. I think if you follow your instincts, and make the effort to find outside activities you both will be happy. Good luck to both of you!

Ok, a Spa B-Day party sounds so fun. When you get a chance, could you maybe post in the "off topic" forum, & tell me what you are going to do? My DD would love to do that! I'll be watching for your post! Thanks!

[msl529]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bogwoppit ITA, this is one of the things that I work hard on. We do things with the girls team mates, sleepovers, movies, at home spa nights etc, that way they feel like they are hanging out when they are at the gym. We also make going to meets together a lot of fun, ice cream, movies in the room, hair sessions, all fun. As for fears, they are a big issue for many girls and just take time. Also I know right now my 11 almost 12 year old DD is going through major growth and body changes. It is hard enough for her to keep her skills let alone aquire new ones whilst she constantly adjust to her constantly evolving body. I am sure that your DD is dealing with this too. I'll be thinking of you, this has been a very helpful thread and I am sure many of us will be rechecking it in the future.

What do you do for your 'home spa' nights? Would you mind posting about it in the "off topic" forum, when you get a chance? I want to do that! DD would love it.

[msl529]

Quote:
Originally Posted by msl529 What do you do for your 'home spa' nights? Would you mind posting about it in the "off topic" forum, when you get a chance? I want to do that! DD would love it.

We have done that every season as well--making the away meets fun. Pool-time at the hotels w/ teammates, going out to eat together, etc. DD has always loved that, I think she sometimes forgets how much fun she really does have w/ this sport. She's so 'in the moment' these days.

This year we will get to do a Disney meet for the first time (the FL one, since we are in the State now) and I can't wait to plan a crazy, fun weekend for her & her teammates.

[msl529]

OOps, sorry it didn't quote the right thing. I was referring to your earleir post, Bogwoppit! But you get what I mean!

[Gym mum UK]

My 2 older girls (13 and 11) both love doing the home spa type of sleepover.

I usually get some individual facemasks (with cucumber for the eyepatches), a couple of bottles of nail varnish, nail files, hand lotion etc. They first do the beauty part (usually all get into pyjamas no matter what time of the day it is) and then have some hot chocolate, popcorn and watch a chic flick (is that a term that you know in the USA?) dvd - age appropriate, obviously.

Sleep is encouraged after the movie has ended (!).

In the morning they make smoothies for breakfast - get in a few different types of fruit and juice and maybe make some pancakes too.

[catesmom]

The spa party we are doing is actually at a local "family spa" in our town. On saturday afternoons they actually host parties for little girls up to teens. They have a special party area and a room to have food/snacks in. They let us use the champagne fountain for punch of course and we are going to make fruit and veggie trays for finger foods. Each girl gets a 15 minute facial (with skin care tips), a mini manicure and a pedicure. The total cost for all the girls is about $200, and just the fact that I don't have to clean up makes it worth it. It's hard at this age to find things that are age appropriate and I think they will enjoy it.

After the party I will bring them all back to our house and have fun with the goodie bags we made up. I went to local retailers and asked for samples of beauty products, most stores have them, and we made up quite special goodie bags. We have make up, lotions etc all at no cost even the bags were free! Hope something here gives you ideas to use.

[gym law mom]

Catesmom---you ought to be a professional party planner for teenagers!!! What a great idea!!