Parents Why does your child do gymnastics? (ask him/her!)

[duyetanh]

Based on another thread, I thought it would be interesting to hear what our children's responses would be. I know I personally love why my child does it-the gained confidence, coping with difficult situations, time management, strength in mind and body...the list goes on and on. But I had never asked my child what drives her passion. So tonight I did. Her response:

"I get to learn really cool tricks, and fly over the vault table. I love that vault table. And I get big muscles. I know I am strong. None of my friends (she meant non gym friends) can say they have a six pack!" (as she flexed her muscles, posing). "I also love the meets, it is so exciting to wear my awesome competition leo, and compete; I wish I could wear that leo everyday! And we get special family time when we travel for meets, and I see cool things and get to stay in fun hotels."

Curious what your child/children will say. For the record, my child just turned 8 and I wrote word for word what she said. I am sure at different ages, it will mean different things.

 

[gymmiemom]

My daughter is in bed. But I know the answer She would say that it's because she is really a monkey at heart and that she loves to tumble and do swing on the bars. Especially giants. And that her favorite thing is to beat all the boys in PE because she is stronger than anyone in her whole school. She came home a few weeks ago with bruises on her elbows from arm wrestling the boys at recess!

She's 9.

 

[auswi]

.........." because I love it & I want to be Olympic all round champion"......

I guess someone has to hey? LOL

 

[suebee]

"Because it's fun."

 

[RTT2]

"I love gymnastics because I learn new skills and it's really fun, and I love being flexible. And I love doing flips, and it's really fun. And I like my friends on the team. And there's a lot of conditioning and I like that too. And I like back hip circles. And I like trying new things."


She's 8.

 

[GYM0M]

"Because it's fun."

That's what mine sd.

 

[mom2newgymnast]

Mine said "Because I like it and it's fun! And it makes me strong."

She's 7.

 

[Deleted member 18037]

My daughter said because you tell me too.

This is somewhat accurate as I tell her she must do something, as staying home and watching screen is not an option.

She has rejected marital arts, piano, soccer, ice skating/hockey, baseball, girl scouts, dance of any kind, music, art lessons, cheer.

So gymnastics it is.

 

[skschlag]

D's answer was because I like doing gymnastics, said in a very slow, teenager-y voice, followed by the question "Why?" (I love teenagers)

 

[ladybird]

Just asked dd as she was getting ready for school. Without any hesitation she said, "because it is fun."

My heart is full

ETA, she is an 11 year old level 6.

 

[Ali'sMom]

D's answer was because I like doing gymnastics, said in a very slow, teenager-y voice, followed by the question "Why?" (I love teenagers)

I so heard that voice in my head!

 

[munchkin3]

#1 because all my friends are there.....the good kind of friends, not the gossipy two faced friends at school.
#2 because its terrifying, and awesome at the same time.
#3 because i'm good at it.

What she hates about gymnastics....
The FHS vault because its boring.

could we be creating adrenaline junkies?

 

[l.c.o]

My 11 year old DD's responses:
1. Why? Who wants to know? Who are you going to tell?
2. "Because flying".
3. "It's fun, and I love my gym friends".

My 8 year old DS's response:
1. "Because I get to be crazy, duh!"

 

[Iwannabemargo]

"because I do, because I love it and its a great way to socialise with people who you don't know in school but you have something in common with, and it keeps you healthy and fit."

Pink & Flufy, age 11 3/4 (approx US level 6/7)

 

[trampolinemom]

DS 9 yo trampolinist "Because I learn very cool new tricks. And also because I feel free when I am jumping. When sometimes in training it goes well I feel I can do anything.

 

[wgymmom]

"I love doing gymnastics and it's a good way for me to be challenged, because I like to be challenged. Gymnastics is a good thing for that. It provides lots of things you need to master. I just love it. It's an awesome sport. And I get a chance to bring out my competitiveness because I'm pretty competitive. I also get to release some of the energy I have."

(I actually put her in gymnastics at 3 because she was so energetic!)

She's 12.

 

[homer]

I dont think I have ever asked my son this question and he has been doing gym for nearly 6 years!

Anyway he said.....because its fun and I love it, and I like to work on new skills and I feel real joy when I get them. I like to be busy and hang out with my friends. I like doing the exercise and getting strong!

Anyway that told me!! He is 11

 

[MILgymFAM]

I asked both my girls. DD1 (14) said, "because it's fun". I told her I'd thought she would say because gymnastics is life (she says that all the time) and she said, "well, it wouldn't be life if it wasn't fun, right." DD2 (12) said "because it's fun". I told her that her sister said the same exact thing and she said, "isn't it great- it's so simple to love gymnastics because it's so fun." Then she turned to her sister and they both yelled "twinning!" Lol.

 

[claudidoll]

My DD 7, says because it's fun and you get to do crazy flips...and because bars and cast to handstands... And just because mom

 

[JMACAZ]

DD 11 XG Because it is fun. Because I really like my Coach. A LOT, and I like to see my friends.

DD 9 T&T Because it just keeps me healthy and strong. And it is fun to learn new skills and compete with your teammates. And I have great Coaches.