My first advice is to try not to stress, and do not berate yourself. As parents we make 1000's of choices for our kids and some are bad, some are good, and some you never really know. Not putting your very young child in preteam at a time it did not really work for your family was a rational choice. You have no idea what would have happened if she HAD done pre-team. It may have been a terrible decision.
Most little girls who adore gymnastics at 6 do not stay with it long term. They find other things to love and do. Yes, even if they are very talented and have every opportunity. Most people simply do not stick with the passions they have as young children. Some do. The vast majority do not...
It sounds like your daughter loves gymnastics so if you want to encourage that passion, I would suggest have her take as many rec classes as you can well afford both financially and logistically, and watch the classes. Choose the classes that have the best instructors. No reason all the classes need be at the same gym. I agree about asking about privates if there are specific areas she needs work on.
I also suggest, let the coaches know your dd wants to do team. Better, have HER tell the coaches. I do not mean nag them every day, just remind them once every few months. And then make sure she is showing the coaches that she can be focused and do what is asked. It is harder for a gymnast to be focused in rec class when the other kids are there to socialize and play. But this also makes it easier for a focused kid to stand out. That is how my youngest son made it onto team without doing any kind of preteam. He was not the most talented but he was (and still is) a pleasure to coach because he rarely goofs off, is always respectful, and applies corrections given.
6 may be too old for preteam at the gyms around you, but there is certainly no rule about it as far as what is "too old for team." Our gym has a huge, successful girls team, many of the girls go on to do gymnastics in college, and I recently spoke to a mom whose daughter got on the team at age 11. (She was not someone with no physical training of course, she had danced before.)
Also there are other things gymnastics training is good for. There are even other kinds of gymnastics (acro, t and t, rhythmic.)
If in your area, it turns out every gym is uber competitive and there really is no chance of getting on team past the ripe old age of 6, then introduce your child to other sports or to dance. She will find something else she loves.
Most little girls who adore gymnastics at 6 do not stay with it long term. They find other things to love and do. Yes, even if they are very talented and have every opportunity. Most people simply do not stick with the passions they have as young children. Some do. The vast majority do not...
It sounds like your daughter loves gymnastics so if you want to encourage that passion, I would suggest have her take as many rec classes as you can well afford both financially and logistically, and watch the classes. Choose the classes that have the best instructors. No reason all the classes need be at the same gym. I agree about asking about privates if there are specific areas she needs work on.
I also suggest, let the coaches know your dd wants to do team. Better, have HER tell the coaches. I do not mean nag them every day, just remind them once every few months. And then make sure she is showing the coaches that she can be focused and do what is asked. It is harder for a gymnast to be focused in rec class when the other kids are there to socialize and play. But this also makes it easier for a focused kid to stand out. That is how my youngest son made it onto team without doing any kind of preteam. He was not the most talented but he was (and still is) a pleasure to coach because he rarely goofs off, is always respectful, and applies corrections given.
6 may be too old for preteam at the gyms around you, but there is certainly no rule about it as far as what is "too old for team." Our gym has a huge, successful girls team, many of the girls go on to do gymnastics in college, and I recently spoke to a mom whose daughter got on the team at age 11. (She was not someone with no physical training of course, she had danced before.)
Also there are other things gymnastics training is good for. There are even other kinds of gymnastics (acro, t and t, rhythmic.)
If in your area, it turns out every gym is uber competitive and there really is no chance of getting on team past the ripe old age of 6, then introduce your child to other sports or to dance. She will find something else she loves.
