mylittlemiss
Proud Parent
Hello and greetings to all! My daughter will be competing level 8 this upcoming season. She just turned 10 this summer. She's moved at a somewhat quick pace through the levels, but it's been something we've been comfortable with, while she's reamined happy. Last year she did level 7 as a 9 year old. The year before she was an 8 year old level 6, optional. Wow, those young optionals are some good competition! She did well at level 7, but not super well. This year she's made a lot of progress and coaches feel she will be a strong level 8. Again, we know she will be in that younger age group of higher level gymnasts. My question is how to help her manage a season of school, competitions and the expectations that come from being a higher level, but so young. She is about to enter 5th grade. She loves gym, had a great summer training, but now it's back to a stiff routine of school and practice schedules. It just seems like level 8 is a big jump in skills and mental toughness along with those skills. So far she's taken it in stride, but at 10, those emotionas start ramping up! She's the youngest of our 5 kids and we have older daughters, but none who've had to manage anything like this at such a young age. Some advice from those who've dealt with similar would be much appreciated!