Parents Realistic expectations

[Gymmom8617]

My DD is an XS at 9 yo (just turned 9). Unfortunately, she may have to repeat, due to issues with her shaping. She has these crazy dreams of making it far in gymnastics. Because she's so young, I'm trying to not crush her dreams, but would also want her to be a bit more realistic. How should I approach this? Do I let her continue believing in her dreams, when I know they are not achievable? Or should I help her set more realistic goals?
Thank you

 

[Boymomx3]

My gymnasts also has ambitious goals. You know college and olympics. My gymnasts is a male and I know this could be very challenging to accomplish and also the idea of paying for that just makes my head spin. we focus on one level at a time and encourage our son to first love the sport and have fun. My son is talented but so much can happen between now and in 10ish years. Just enjoy the sport and watch her get stronger. You don’t need to do anything yet about unrealistic goals. Try setting short term goals that she can accomplish.

 

[Gymgirl84]

Let her have her dreams. Just little kids want to be astronauts or presidents. Time will slowly put their dreams in perspective.

 

[Dahlialover]

My DD is an XS at 9 yo (just turned 9). Unfortunately, she may have to repeat, due to issues with her shaping. She has these crazy dreams of making it far in gymnastics. Because she's so young, I'm trying to not crush her dreams, but would also want her to be a bit more realistic. How should I approach this? Do I let her continue believing in her dreams, when I know they are not achievable? Or should I help her set more realistic goals?
Thank you

You should say nothing. Having dreams is one of the joys of childhood. Every 9-year-old dreams of one day competing at the highest level of their sport and (nearly) every kid eventually figures out that it’s not going to happen. There is no need to accelerate that realization. Often kids’ dreams gradually morph to become more obtainable : Olympics—>NCAA—>College club gymnastics. For now, It’s good to dream.

 

[Rhiannon MGA]

Hello! This is such a tricky one. I think you should definitely encourage her to keep dreaming big! You never know what could happen, maybe one day she will achieve them.

That being said - goals are a great way to help her focus on what really matters (her efforts levels, her mindset, and her love for the sport). It's important gymnasts have goals which focus on the things they can control, so they can appreciate their success no matter what happens.

I can imagine you're worried that she might feel like a failure if she doesn't achieve her dreams... helping her set goals based on the process and not the outcome makes sure she is proud of herself no matter what!