Parents Dealing with disappointment re: group and hours

[Gym_momma]

My daughter is disappointed with her group assignment and training hours. She was really hoping to be moved up.

I've told her to stay focused on her goals and to keep working hard and in the end things will sort themselves out.

Any other helpful advice I can give her?

 

[Coach Kate]

That can be tough! Try to help her see it as an opportunity to be a leader. And it is ok for you to help her set up a time to talk with her coaches about her goals (prepare them in advance!). Hopefully her coaches understand that she might be disappointed and are prepared to help her think about the upgrades she might be able to do and give her opportunities for growth, even if it's different from what she hoped for. I always knew when an athlete might be disappointed in a group placement or level assignment, and tried to be ready to discuss it - honestly I often did it before they asked or even before we placed them.

 

[Liza]

Our gym has the team girls and parents sign a contract at the start of every new season regarding what is appropriate and what is not. Three strikes you are off the team. Does your gym have a contract for the competition team?

 

[Liza]

Sorry wrong post

 

[RALG]

My daughter is disappointed with her group assignment and training hours. She was really hoping to be moved up.

I've told her to stay focused on her goals and to keep working hard and in the end things will sort themselves out.

Any other helpful advice I can give her?

I told my daughter (whom was disappointed with her summer group placement) that whoever succeeds in this sport is who is most stubborn and never gives up improving. She’s had a stellar summer so far but it’s been a little lonely being the only one in her group working upgrades on every event

 

[Gym_momma]

Thanks. That's a good way to look at it. I know a year feels long, but I'm really hopeful that with a positive attitude and hDd work that things will sort themselves out in due course.

 

[Pineapple_Lump]

I love the points by @Coach Kate!

I always try and make the kids who didn't move up feel special with extra/special responsibilities and progressions (sometime sideways).

I do love your attitude, it will go a long way towards helping her cope. This is aimed at the parent that is not as accepting as you but perhaps you can discuss these ideas in a way that is appropriate and meaningful for you child.