Parents Anxiety new to team

[scb838]

My 7 year old daughter was recently invited to team. She worked so hard and was so excited that she made it! Summer practices start soon. She's already had a couple of meltdowns, saying she can't do skills that she can do, worrying it will be too hard and just in general seeming very anxious about it. I have never seen her act like this before. She is not normally an anxious child at all.

I told her they wouldn't have asked her to team if they didn't think she could do it and that she has plenty of time before the first competition. I asked her if she still wants to do it and she says yes. I am hoping that once practice starts she will see it isn't that big of a deal, but in the meantime? I know gymnastics is a high pressure sport, so I worry that maybe this isn't for her if she is already this stressed.

Has anyone gone through this? Any tips to help her?

 

[BusyMomof2]

See how the first few practices go! If she's not normally anxious, it might be the unknown of team. It's also possible she was told it is going to be hard work - which it is, but that doesn't need to be scary. Assuming since she's new to team, this is pre-team or a lower level...which means lots of shaping and form work, drills, etc so not really throwing skills at the start.

 

[NutterButter]

My daughter did this same thing (and still does at age 23). I wouldn't worry about this being a sign that gymnastics is the right sport for her. If anything, she's this worried because gymnastics is 'that' important to her. Just remind her that everyone around her believes in her. Keep the conversations short and don't dwell on it with her. She will be fine after the first week or even the first practice.