AV24
Proud Parent
After much research and reflection, I scheduled an evaluation for my DD at a fantastic gym which is not too far from us. They have a really positive coaching style that I think will fit very well with her personality. At the same time, they don't mess around, and that is what she needs. The girls who were training all looked so happy to be there, and they have a very strong program at all levels.
I really just called to get my questions answered about the team program in general, but the coach went ahead and asked her to come practice with the pre-team girls one day. My DD was nervous in the beginning, and she really wasn't used to the conditioning. I think she spent most of the first 15-20 minutes very frustrated, and I just knew it wasn't going to work out. However, she really blossomed when they moved to bars (her favorite), and she appeared happy and confident from then on.
When the class ended, the coach told me that she thought my DD would be a great fit with their pre-team class. She is welcome to join, but we need to figure out if she likes it since it is more intense than rec, and I know she needs the extra conditioning. I wasn't positive at that moment, and she told me that I could bring her 2-3 times before making a decision.
DD told me she had fun and liked the class, but she also doesn't want to leave her friends at her current gym. I explained to her that she was about to be moved to the next rec level at that gym (true), so she would be with a new group of friends anyway. That isn't the issue, because I know she can adjust to making new friends easily. The problem is that this new gym doesn't have a boys rec program, and my 9 year old son LOVES gymnastics right now. I highly doubt he will ever compete (and that is putting it nicely), but he loves the exercise and how they challenge him in our current gym. So if I let her join the new gym, I'll still be driving to the old gym for my son as well.
Do you think I can keep my daughter in a rec class at the old gym if she joins the pre-team at the new gym, or is that a conflict of interest? I thought maybe I could switch her to a tumbling class, so she doesn't have to just sit and watch her brother, but I don't want to cause a problem for anyone. The old gym does see potential in her, but I get the impression that it could be awhile if they ever even decide to take her. It is just so competitive. All the little girls on what appears to be their pre-team already looked ripped with abs and crazy shoulder muscles (5-6 year olds). And besides that, the more I have paid attention, the more I realized that their compulsory coach never cracks a smile or offers praise, and my DD just responds to praise so well. I think she would come to dislike it in time. Even though the rec coaches are SO amazing and encouraging, that is not who she would be spending all of her time with if she ever joined the team there. I really appreciate the feedback I got through this forum, because it helped me to understand what to look for in a gym to make sure it is the right fit for MY kid.
So...I'm beyond thrilled that she was given a chance at the new gym, and I'm hoping that she adjusts to the longer practice and conditioning levels without too much fuss. Has anyone else had to take their kids to two gyms? Was it weird? I mean, neither one of mine is competing yet, and one probably never will.
Also, is pre-team generally considered a part of the team with booster responsibilities, or is more like an invite-only advanced rec class? I have the pre-team Coach's phone number to call her with any questions I have, but I wanted to feel out this group before I call to make sure I know exactly what I want to ask. Thanks for your help!
I really just called to get my questions answered about the team program in general, but the coach went ahead and asked her to come practice with the pre-team girls one day. My DD was nervous in the beginning, and she really wasn't used to the conditioning. I think she spent most of the first 15-20 minutes very frustrated, and I just knew it wasn't going to work out. However, she really blossomed when they moved to bars (her favorite), and she appeared happy and confident from then on.
When the class ended, the coach told me that she thought my DD would be a great fit with their pre-team class. She is welcome to join, but we need to figure out if she likes it since it is more intense than rec, and I know she needs the extra conditioning. I wasn't positive at that moment, and she told me that I could bring her 2-3 times before making a decision.
DD told me she had fun and liked the class, but she also doesn't want to leave her friends at her current gym. I explained to her that she was about to be moved to the next rec level at that gym (true), so she would be with a new group of friends anyway. That isn't the issue, because I know she can adjust to making new friends easily. The problem is that this new gym doesn't have a boys rec program, and my 9 year old son LOVES gymnastics right now. I highly doubt he will ever compete (and that is putting it nicely), but he loves the exercise and how they challenge him in our current gym. So if I let her join the new gym, I'll still be driving to the old gym for my son as well.
Do you think I can keep my daughter in a rec class at the old gym if she joins the pre-team at the new gym, or is that a conflict of interest? I thought maybe I could switch her to a tumbling class, so she doesn't have to just sit and watch her brother, but I don't want to cause a problem for anyone. The old gym does see potential in her, but I get the impression that it could be awhile if they ever even decide to take her. It is just so competitive. All the little girls on what appears to be their pre-team already looked ripped with abs and crazy shoulder muscles (5-6 year olds). And besides that, the more I have paid attention, the more I realized that their compulsory coach never cracks a smile or offers praise, and my DD just responds to praise so well. I think she would come to dislike it in time. Even though the rec coaches are SO amazing and encouraging, that is not who she would be spending all of her time with if she ever joined the team there. I really appreciate the feedback I got through this forum, because it helped me to understand what to look for in a gym to make sure it is the right fit for MY kid.
So...I'm beyond thrilled that she was given a chance at the new gym, and I'm hoping that she adjusts to the longer practice and conditioning levels without too much fuss. Has anyone else had to take their kids to two gyms? Was it weird? I mean, neither one of mine is competing yet, and one probably never will.
Also, is pre-team generally considered a part of the team with booster responsibilities, or is more like an invite-only advanced rec class? I have the pre-team Coach's phone number to call her with any questions I have, but I wanted to feel out this group before I call to make sure I know exactly what I want to ask. Thanks for your help!