Well really I should say I'm newish, I've been lurking for awhile now Anyways my DD is 6 years old and has been competing at a level 4 this year. She's only been in gymnastics since last March and absolutely eats it up. My question is meets. At every meet she's been to she has placed on at least 1 event and been in the top 25% for all around. Which is awesome! BUT every single meet results in a major meltdown on the way out the door. She holds herself together very well during awards but as soon as it's over she loses it. She just wants a "gold" medal so bad. And like every other little girl out there right now, she is sure she is going to be the next Gabby Douglas lol! Her dad and I have NEVER told her she has to win or even mentioned placing, just talked about having fun and being a good teammate. Before every meet we talk about good sportsmanship and how the most important thing is to have fun. And she does love it! She sparkles when she is "performing" for the judges. But she's 6 and she doesn't really get that she is A LOT younger then most of the other gymnasts. As horrible as it sounds its embarrassing to have the kid in tears all the time. My other 3 children are not in the least competitive and she really has me at a loss as to how to help her deal with it all. I'd even be happy if she'd just make it out to the car, and then she is more than free to meltdown, if that's what she needs to do.
Plus, next year levels are changing. Her coach is planning on having her "repeat" level 4. She's told us that my daughter is ready and they've been working on the skills all year. I'm a little on the fence about it. Part of me would rather her "move down" to level 3 even though they only compete in about half the amount of meets as level 4 and up. I haven't metioned it to her coach or her about my thoughts, but I know my daughter will be crushed if she "moves down" and will probably be bored training at the gym. I'm not sure of the "line" of when to speak up, or when to shut up and listen to what the coach is telling me. And she's telling us our daughter is ready for the next level.
Advice experienced gym parents?
Plus, next year levels are changing. Her coach is planning on having her "repeat" level 4. She's told us that my daughter is ready and they've been working on the skills all year. I'm a little on the fence about it. Part of me would rather her "move down" to level 3 even though they only compete in about half the amount of meets as level 4 and up. I haven't metioned it to her coach or her about my thoughts, but I know my daughter will be crushed if she "moves down" and will probably be bored training at the gym. I'm not sure of the "line" of when to speak up, or when to shut up and listen to what the coach is telling me. And she's telling us our daughter is ready for the next level.
Advice experienced gym parents?