gymnastmom38
Proud Parent
I stumbled across this and thought it was pretty accurate...even made me take a step back and evaluate what I'm doing. I would say that I'm in stage 5 but still have a little of stage 4 in me.
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Want to know '5 Stages of a Gym Parent'? Where are you on the progression? ; ) (Come on, we've all been there!)
Gym Parents, year by year:
First year: CLUELESS: First year gymnasts (also known as Darling Daughter (DD)) are clueless, and Gym Parent(GP) is clueless. It's all fun and games. The novelty comes from wearing a leotard at a young age and getting their hair done for meets. GP has no clue about the sport, no concept of scoring, what body positions are, and are oblivious to other gyms in the area. They chose the one right down the street from their house. The focus is not on winning at all.....all concern is placed on their own DD and whether or not she will make it through the routine without running off the floor crying or having to go pee.
Second year: APPREHENSION: DD has gained some skills, and GP is starting to learn a little too. GP understands a little about scoring and is tickled that their DD has learned some skill. However, all DD's friends are learning new skills too and worry sets in about her DD keeping up, or falling behind. GP also starts to notice that other gyms in the area might have teams that are good and starts to question whether or not this gym is the BEST gym around. GP now knows DD will make it through a routine, and starts to crave winning.
Third year: PYSCHO: DD has gained more skills, and GP is excited but still nervous because some of DD's friends have gained more skills. GP starts putting pressure on DD to "get better", straight legs, pointy toes, body position, etc. GP is starting to understand scoring, now knows the routines by heart, and knows exactly who DD’s biggest competition is. GP wants DD to be on top of the podium! GP knows all the weaknesses of DD's gym, and will take every opportunity to point out those weaknesses!! Talk about changing gyms and bad coaching is rampant. GP is finding fault in every little thing and a thought creeps in about whether the grass is greener at other gyms. Complaints about other kids, coaches, methods, other parents, etc is at its peak!!!
Fourth year: PRESSURE: GP is still psycho, but DD is progressing even more and that is enough to keep GP happy. GP is into full fledged GYMANIA!! GP wants that win bad!!! Relationships with other GPs have developed, even GPs from other gyms. GP may still be putting tons of pressure on DD to fix this and that, get this and that. You want to be the best, right? DD may start to rebel against the pressure, straining their relationship and souring DD on gymnastics.
Fifth year: ACCEPTANCE: GP still has hidden anxiety but has stopped telling everyone about it. GP has met some other 3rd year psycho GP’s and realizes how insanely idiotic they act. GP has come to terms with their own DD's level and has started taking away the pressures, but still quietly encourages improvement. GP enjoys some quiet conversation with other 4+ year GP’s. GP fully understands by now what it takes to win, and has accepted that children develop in different stages. GP also understands now that kids will have strengths and weaknesses, including their own DD, and they can all contribute to the team beautifully. After all it is DD’s gymnastics…
Sixth year: ENJOYMENT: GP has settled nicely into a happy group of other veteran GP’s and laughs out loud at the 3rd year GP’s. GP still wants the win, but they now realize that winning is not everything. GP has found a peace with her DD, and gives her the tools she needs to succeed, but no longer pushes so hard. This peace continues through the rest of DD's career.
Obviously there are exceptions, and lots of them. Too bad we can't go from 1st year to 5th/6th year and skip the years in between… Maybe, just maybe reading this will help someone skip a stage or two.
CAPPAE – someone transitioning through the stages/years
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Want to know '5 Stages of a Gym Parent'? Where are you on the progression? ; ) (Come on, we've all been there!)
Gym Parents, year by year:
First year: CLUELESS: First year gymnasts (also known as Darling Daughter (DD)) are clueless, and Gym Parent(GP) is clueless. It's all fun and games. The novelty comes from wearing a leotard at a young age and getting their hair done for meets. GP has no clue about the sport, no concept of scoring, what body positions are, and are oblivious to other gyms in the area. They chose the one right down the street from their house. The focus is not on winning at all.....all concern is placed on their own DD and whether or not she will make it through the routine without running off the floor crying or having to go pee.
Second year: APPREHENSION: DD has gained some skills, and GP is starting to learn a little too. GP understands a little about scoring and is tickled that their DD has learned some skill. However, all DD's friends are learning new skills too and worry sets in about her DD keeping up, or falling behind. GP also starts to notice that other gyms in the area might have teams that are good and starts to question whether or not this gym is the BEST gym around. GP now knows DD will make it through a routine, and starts to crave winning.
Third year: PYSCHO: DD has gained more skills, and GP is excited but still nervous because some of DD's friends have gained more skills. GP starts putting pressure on DD to "get better", straight legs, pointy toes, body position, etc. GP is starting to understand scoring, now knows the routines by heart, and knows exactly who DD’s biggest competition is. GP wants DD to be on top of the podium! GP knows all the weaknesses of DD's gym, and will take every opportunity to point out those weaknesses!! Talk about changing gyms and bad coaching is rampant. GP is finding fault in every little thing and a thought creeps in about whether the grass is greener at other gyms. Complaints about other kids, coaches, methods, other parents, etc is at its peak!!!
Fourth year: PRESSURE: GP is still psycho, but DD is progressing even more and that is enough to keep GP happy. GP is into full fledged GYMANIA!! GP wants that win bad!!! Relationships with other GPs have developed, even GPs from other gyms. GP may still be putting tons of pressure on DD to fix this and that, get this and that. You want to be the best, right? DD may start to rebel against the pressure, straining their relationship and souring DD on gymnastics.
Fifth year: ACCEPTANCE: GP still has hidden anxiety but has stopped telling everyone about it. GP has met some other 3rd year psycho GP’s and realizes how insanely idiotic they act. GP has come to terms with their own DD's level and has started taking away the pressures, but still quietly encourages improvement. GP enjoys some quiet conversation with other 4+ year GP’s. GP fully understands by now what it takes to win, and has accepted that children develop in different stages. GP also understands now that kids will have strengths and weaknesses, including their own DD, and they can all contribute to the team beautifully. After all it is DD’s gymnastics…
Sixth year: ENJOYMENT: GP has settled nicely into a happy group of other veteran GP’s and laughs out loud at the 3rd year GP’s. GP still wants the win, but they now realize that winning is not everything. GP has found a peace with her DD, and gives her the tools she needs to succeed, but no longer pushes so hard. This peace continues through the rest of DD's career.
Obviously there are exceptions, and lots of them. Too bad we can't go from 1st year to 5th/6th year and skip the years in between… Maybe, just maybe reading this will help someone skip a stage or two.
CAPPAE – someone transitioning through the stages/years
