GymnastJoy
Proud Parent
Hi! I'm new here and fairly new to the world of gym. My dd Joy competed last year as a 7yo L4 and this year is competing as an 8yo L5. She is a wonderful, happy, smart girl and I'm so proud of her. So glad to join this forum of knowledge parents who all seem to have their children's best interest at heart. Which brings me to my question. All of your children seem to be high-scoring gymmies who place consistently AA. My dd LOVES gym and competing. She did OK last year, consistently did better as the season went on, and made it to States. She occasionally placed in events. This year the jump to L5 is obviously a big one. She had only a few meets so far and is not really improving yet. In fact, she has come in last AA in every meet. She is somewhat aware but is happy to compete regardless of scores/placing. My question is wondering if all of the hours she spends at the gym and all of that time spent away from her friends at school missing playdates, bday parties, etc. is in her best interest. I'm not making any changes right now as she would be heart-broken to leave her coaches and teammates. And she and I are so proud each and every meet regardless of placing. I guess my concern is that I wouldn't want to look back and regret all that she has sacrificed to be in gym. Though she has gotten SO MUCH out of it. And she's just 8. Only parents who have gymmies would understand. My friends in real life think I'm crazy for dd spending 16 hrs/wk at gym + meets on weekends!