She went to a gymnastics camp.
They said, "she should really be in a class, she's got real talent"
She took a class once a week.
They said, "she's fantastic, she needs to come more often"
She took classes twice a week.
They said,"she is learning so fast, she's a natural, she should be on team."
She started spending 9 to 12 hours a week at the gym.
She said, "I'm tired."
All of this occurred within three months. Now my little monkey isn't sure she wants to be a gymnast. It's hard work and she went from Zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds. I listened to these "coaches" and thought they were just excited about her talent. I'm a little suspect now.
Advice?
Cut back. Go back to once a week or every other week. Back to it being fun. Yeah she could be super amazing with it but she doesn't need to do it all the time. Go back to it being a release.
Posted by: Angela | October 20, 2008 at 11:13 PM
I agree with Angela. It has to be fun for her. I can't believe the hours they want these kids to be in the gym and in all reality how many will be Olympic Gymnasts. Some will get college scholarships.
Posted by: The Eastsider | October 21, 2008 at 06:37 AM
If it's not fun for her, she won't do it...no matter what the coaches say.
Follow her lead. She may just need to slow down a bit...
Posted by: Thea @ I'm a Drama Mama | October 21, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I was in the same dilemma when I was about 10 years old. The sport was very time consuming, yet I becoming a really good gymnast. I took a break for 3 years and picked it back up the summer before my high school years. Do I regret it? Yes, in a way. I could have been so much further along, but I had a lot of making up to do. My suggestion, cut back, but don't drop it completely. Get back to the fun it should be and let your daughter set the pace.
Posted by: Lynette | October 21, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Bonnie G. Remember how she burned out and walked away from her full ride college scholarship?
I suggest you let Lulu decide. She certainly has other talents that she can pursue if she wants to be "in something."
When you were in so many sports we always told each other that you might come home any day and say, "I'm done. I don't want to work that hard any more."
Love, Mom
Posted by: Sandra | October 21, 2008 at 07:15 PM
There are some things in life a person HAS to do, and then there are some things that we do because they're FUN. I would put gymnastics in the "ought to be fun" category. Get Lulu to talk to you about the real reasons she's "tired." Maybe she really is tired. Or maybe there was some sort of incident that hurt, angered, frightened, or frustrated her. If she has made a commitment to a team, she should fulfill her commitment. But, otherwise, Lulu should participate in the decision regarding whether or to what extent she wants to pursue gymnastics. Just the opinion of a wannabe Aunt. :-)
Posted by: AL | October 22, 2008 at 08:36 AM