Switched Gyms

[Gymnastics2009]

My dd just moved to a new gym and while it was her idea and something she tought about for over a year, now that she moved I think she is having second thoughts. This new program is 4 days a week, one more day than b-4, and a lot harder workouts; which she knew going into the move and is what she thought she sought. One the 3rd day, she came home very emotional (unlike her) and said she hated it there. Of course I told her it will take time to adjust and what she is feeling in natural, but then she did not want to go the next day. She hasn't given a really good reason for what she is thinking but she stated she "misses her old team" and that she now feels like "gymnastics is taking over her life". There are a few more variables with this, she is 13 and is also in a school sport which practices everyday too. I'm thinking she is overwhelmed with no time, emotion, a new place, new people, and a sore body. A bit much for a 13 yr old...

Any others have experience with this emotional rollercoaster of moving gyms? How long might it take to adapt? Any tips?

 

[bogwoppit]

Welcome to the Chalkbucket.

As the proud parent of a 13 year old gymmie I can totally empathise. It is such a tough age, friends are very important and all the pressures of school, home and sports can just be overwhelming for their hormonal and rapidly changing bodies.

I do not think I would walk away from the new gym at this point, but I would perhaps cut down to three days a week to see if that helps. I also would talk with her to see if she would like to do less of the school sport, daily practices are a lot when she is already doing 4 days a week in the gym. Teens need time to decompress and just be a teen. Hanging out with friends, family and also alone are very important and she may just be overwhelmed by life.

I would hope to see a difference in a month, she will make new friends and connect to her coaches. However it may be that she doesn't adapt as it really is just more than she can handle right now.

 

[Gymnastics2009]

Thanks bog, I know it is too much 4 her right now and the school sport over next week. I'm thinking of letting her do her own pace for a bit and see what happens. Its aweful to see your child going through such tough times. We'll keep posted on progress.