I get really stressed at meets and have an athlete who struggles at times, but even when meets are hard for her I’m always excited to go. It helps to have parents from multiple gyms I’m always happy to see, a fun plan for after the meet, and the joy of watching my daughter being out there and being a real gymnast.
She’s gone through mental blocks and scratches and all sorts of challenges, and I decided early on that I would watch her scratch or spectate the same as if she was winning. I also have a rule to clap and cheer for anyone who is competing in front of where I’m sitting or standing. It helps the meet go faster and it helps me feel less of a scarcity mindset. I’m happier when I want every girl to do great than when I would secretly hope someone would get a 9.275 instead of my daughter’s 9.3.
Took a while to get to that point, though.
I also keep candy in my purse.