So, DD switched gyms earlier this month. On the whole we've been happy there. DD is the fifth girl in her group that is starting to train L4. The moms at her gym are actually pretty great and very friendly - so far. The coach is very kind and quite positive.
Well, DD's new gym has two campuses. For break this week, the girls from DD's campus trained together with the other group - it was held at the "other" campus. Wow - what a drive for one (an hour away). But there's a fair amount of shopping nearby. I stayed yesterday as my son wasn't with me and my DD was very nervous - it was her first time there. Boy, I think that won't happen again!
During the two-hour practice, there was a group of 4-5 "other" parents. Of course my DD and I were fresh meat so I was asked many questions. Some I felt very uncomfortable answering. I was asked:
a. What gym are you from?
b. What level was your DD?
c. Does she have her back handspring yet?
d. Does she have her FHC/Shoot Through/Vertical handstand on beam/etc/etc/etc yet?
c. Is it true the girls at the other gym gets and hour of dance, too? Upon my affirmative answer, she replied: Well, I don't think ballet really helps anyway.
e. Where do you live?
f. Did you know this is a far drive (uh, no, we teleported today...???).
g. Why did you leave the old gym?
h. Why did you choose the other campus?
This "other" group of girls is about 10 strong. I was also informed of the following, if you can believe it (without showing the slightest interest in them):
1. This other group ALL performed better at the meets (L3) than the girls from DD's gym.
2. DD's coach is inexperienced (this IS true, it's her first time now coaching L4, but she's done preteam, L3 and prep-op). They actually complained, out loud, when my DD's coach was spotting them on their shoot through/mil circle. And, well, everything else that she coached them on.
3. One girl got a balance beam four years ago (the kid is FIVE!!) and a bar last year. (um, that's nice???)
4. "Susie" has her kip, and her ROBHS.
5. So-and-so struggles with her FHC only because she's so darned little (she is six, and well, is smallish).
6. I was informed of each of their children's Christmas gifts, without having asked or even bringing up the holiday. I was even shown pictures on an iPhone. I was then asked what my DD was given.
7. They ALL frequently have private lessons.
8. They all critiqued their children and commented, out loud, about their kids' weaknesses and how they "usually do it so much better!".
And to note: they are ALL more advanced than the group from DD's gym. The "other" girls are also adding an hour of gym where DD's gym cannot accommodate the extra time for a few months yet. I admit that it WAS a little disheartening to sit there. It's obvious the coaching is a little stronger at the "other" gym. But I am consoling myself that at least DD has a smaller group, she loves her coach, she is comfortable there, and her coach seems enthusiastic and willing to learn. Also, it's 15-20 minutes closer to home. AND? The mom's at DD's gym are actually sane, discuss things other than gymnastics, and while they may watch, it's for fun and there are no direct comments on ability/future, etc.
Anyway, thanks for letting me discuss. I am now dreading DD's eventual merger to this other gym! It will happen likely after L4. I have feelings of shock and awe. To be honest, it sort-of made me want to run, a little! :dumbfounded:
Well, DD's new gym has two campuses. For break this week, the girls from DD's campus trained together with the other group - it was held at the "other" campus. Wow - what a drive for one (an hour away). But there's a fair amount of shopping nearby. I stayed yesterday as my son wasn't with me and my DD was very nervous - it was her first time there. Boy, I think that won't happen again!
During the two-hour practice, there was a group of 4-5 "other" parents. Of course my DD and I were fresh meat so I was asked many questions. Some I felt very uncomfortable answering. I was asked:
a. What gym are you from?
b. What level was your DD?
c. Does she have her back handspring yet?
d. Does she have her FHC/Shoot Through/Vertical handstand on beam/etc/etc/etc yet?
c. Is it true the girls at the other gym gets and hour of dance, too? Upon my affirmative answer, she replied: Well, I don't think ballet really helps anyway.
e. Where do you live?
f. Did you know this is a far drive (uh, no, we teleported today...???).
g. Why did you leave the old gym?
h. Why did you choose the other campus?
This "other" group of girls is about 10 strong. I was also informed of the following, if you can believe it (without showing the slightest interest in them):
1. This other group ALL performed better at the meets (L3) than the girls from DD's gym.
2. DD's coach is inexperienced (this IS true, it's her first time now coaching L4, but she's done preteam, L3 and prep-op). They actually complained, out loud, when my DD's coach was spotting them on their shoot through/mil circle. And, well, everything else that she coached them on.
3. One girl got a balance beam four years ago (the kid is FIVE!!) and a bar last year. (um, that's nice???)
4. "Susie" has her kip, and her ROBHS.
5. So-and-so struggles with her FHC only because she's so darned little (she is six, and well, is smallish).
6. I was informed of each of their children's Christmas gifts, without having asked or even bringing up the holiday. I was even shown pictures on an iPhone. I was then asked what my DD was given.
7. They ALL frequently have private lessons.
8. They all critiqued their children and commented, out loud, about their kids' weaknesses and how they "usually do it so much better!".
And to note: they are ALL more advanced than the group from DD's gym. The "other" girls are also adding an hour of gym where DD's gym cannot accommodate the extra time for a few months yet. I admit that it WAS a little disheartening to sit there. It's obvious the coaching is a little stronger at the "other" gym. But I am consoling myself that at least DD has a smaller group, she loves her coach, she is comfortable there, and her coach seems enthusiastic and willing to learn. Also, it's 15-20 minutes closer to home. AND? The mom's at DD's gym are actually sane, discuss things other than gymnastics, and while they may watch, it's for fun and there are no direct comments on ability/future, etc.
Anyway, thanks for letting me discuss. I am now dreading DD's eventual merger to this other gym! It will happen likely after L4. I have feelings of shock and awe. To be honest, it sort-of made me want to run, a little! :dumbfounded:
