Anon Tell me your crazy gym parent behaviors

[Anonymous (e3d2)]

Of course! I did the same when my kid was young. Even talked with other moms. It was like a mini social hour. But then my child turned into a teen and her hours went from 9 per week to 20. The skills got hard. It just became weird to stay and watch for more than a few minutes. You will understand this when your kiddo is a L10.

I get that it makes sense but the original comment seemed to refer to all parents who stay and watch and I think there should be a caveat that this is only crazy when they are higher level doing 15+ hrs/week. But even then I don't think its always crazy or helicopter-y to want to watch your child practice.

 

[Anonymous (f045)]

I get that it makes sense but the original comment seemed to refer to all parents who stay and watch and I think there should be a caveat that this is only crazy when they are higher level doing 15+ hrs/week. But even then I don't think its always crazy or helicopter-y to want to watch your child practice.

No. The original post that you quoted specified that it was a L10 mom and that she watched all 25 hours each week.

 

[Anonymous (a5ff)]

I thought the dad in a homemade "proud dad" type shirt at states was kind of crazy because the shirt had his daughter's instagram handle along his butt! I was sitting on the floor at awards and his hiney was eye level for me... I don't know that I would have noticed otherwise. That is one way to advertise your child's social media! Hahaha

 

[Anonymous (79fc)]

I get that it makes sense but the original comment seemed to refer to all parents who stay and watch and I think there should be a caveat that this is only crazy when they are higher level doing 15+ hrs/week. But even then I don't think its always crazy or helicopter-y to want to watch your child practice.

Our gym has cameras and you can log in and watch away from the gym. I think this helps with the ability to watch your kid but also not be present and distracting.

 

[Anonymous (7036)]

Thank you for understanding! I don't stay and watch every practice but at least once a week I will watch it all and usually I show up an hour early for pick up to watch a little. My daughter loves for me or her dad to watch or any family or friend that wants to because she loves to show off her passion. There were some issues earlier this season with bullies on the team that had my daughter struggling mentally and I stayed more often to watch during that time because the coaches were not seeing what was happening and she didn't feel like she was being heard which made the whole situation worse. Sometimes there are reasons and sometimes parents just love watching their child do something they love. Coaches need to be more understanding of that as well and stop judging parents who want to watch. If they are doing their job the way they are supposed to then they have nothing to worry about and nothing to hide. Also, every single girl who has been a bully at our gym has parents who NEVER set foot in the gym, they drop them off at the door and pick up the same way and maybe that's why their kids are so bold and willing to treat their teammates horribly.

I forgot to mention too, that am also a gymnastics coach.... LOL and honestly I like it when parents watch. I consider part of my job almost like an acting job.... as I am cajoling the kids, trying to have some energy for the kids, at times being funny, because that lightens everyones mental state. Aa a coach I have zero to hide. I think all coaches should feel that way, but I also understand that some coaches have been through the ringer with a few parents and so are not a fan of them watching.

 

[Anonymous (7036)]

I thought the dad in a homemade "proud dad" type shirt at states was kind of crazy because the shirt had his daughter's instagram handle along his butt! I was sitting on the floor at awards and his hiney was eye level for me... I don't know that I would have noticed otherwise. That is one way to advertise your child's social media! Hahaha

Thats pretty crazy considering how bad the internet can be for kids... but funny the way you put it! My grandmother used to use that word, "Hiney".....lol

 

[Anonymous (e3d2)]

I forgot to mention too, that am also a gymnastics coach.... LOL and honestly I like it when parents watch. I consider part of my job almost like an acting job.... as I am cajoling the kids, trying to have some energy for the kids, at times being funny, because that lightens everyones mental state. Aa a coach I have zero to hide. I think all coaches should feel that way, but I also understand that some coaches have been through the ringer with a few parents and so are not a fan of them watching.

I do understand that some parents can be difficult but I think the coaches should treat each family as individuals rather than assuming that we will all be that way. If a parent is difficult then give them limits without completely baning them from watching but if a parent is well behaved then leave them be and let them watch their child if they want. And parents shouldn't be judging others for wanting to stay and watch, no matter how many hours they are there that is their prerogative. I don't have any other kids so I am fortunate to have the time to spend watching my daughter. Sorry not directing this at you just venting haha!