?? for parents of gymnasts

[WDWorBUST]

DD is 4 1/2 and the teacher where she goes to gymnastics has asked her if she wants to be on her level 1 team this fall. We had received information about tryouts at one point but since the teacher asked I'm assuming her skill level is good enough to be on the team since the person who asked her has also been her teacher now for the past year. She had also asked me about it when I was signing Sam up for the summer. I asked a couple of questions and she told me I had plenty of time to think about it (there were others registering at the time) For those of you whose children started that young would you do it again? The expense goes up - for the year it's basically double. She would go from one hour of practice a week to two and then we would have to by a team leotard and warm-ups plus have all the fees for meets. She also does dance - which she initally wasn't going to do this next year but now wants to. She just had her first recital two weeks ago and absolutley LOVED being on the stage (and I was worried about stage fright ) Now dance & gymnastics go hand in hand to me - but next spring she is going to start T-ball....well at least that's the plan as of now. I refuse to overload the child with activities so young. As it is she goes to dance one hour a week and gymnastics one hour a week. If she joins the team we'll only add one hour and she is only in pre-K this next year so that's just under 3 hours a day. I just don't know if this is something I want to get started for sure....I'm leaning that way though. I'd love for you to share your experiences.

Thanks!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I think that since she liked the dance recital so much, just let her continue to do everything "for fun." Let her try many things and then go competitive later. Can you imagine having to deal with her crying, etc. because she wants to play with her friends on the weekend, but has a gymnastics meet she has to go to? That would make it no longer fun, for both of you. I think with her age, I would stick with many fun activities.

 

[deedeetoo]

Gymnastics can be a big time committment as you progress up the levels. Its something you definitely need to be aware of. My dd is in Level 5, plus she plays basketball, soccer, the violin, and is in the orchestra and chorus. This is all her choice not ours btw though I guess we could say no.

I've never heard of a Level 1 team so I'm not sure what type of skills that would be. Our gym doesn't require the purchase of anything until they start competing and we don't start competing until Level 5, though I know some gyms compete at Level 4. In fact I think there is a minimum age for Level 5 competition (I think 7 but I'm not sure). I can't understand why someone that young at Level 1 would need a team leotard, warm ups and pay fees for meets. I know some gyms around here compete at level 4, but if your daughter has just been tapped, I doubt she'll be competing this year. My daughter's gym has pre-team which is where they first pull the girls out of the standard class and girls usually stay there for a year or two.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Let me clarify one thing.....this would be a "rec" team. Yes they would have meets and one of my questions is how many they would have to attend that I still need answered. I definitely see your point and appreciate it - but that's part of why I'm considering it is for the friendships. DD is an only child and really only has one little friend that she sees outside of activities. I'm not trying to argue your point (it's definitely valid) just trying to paint a complete picture.

One other piece of information - I played softball from 2nd grade into college. I was/am extremely competitive. I HONESTLY don't know if I want her to move up to being on a team this year....but one of my biggest fears is this - I took gymnastics one year in the 4th grade. There were so many skills that I could not do....some of which Sam is already starting now. I don't want to put her at a disadvantage by waiting either. I never knew that a decision like this could be so stinkin tough! (And it doesn't help that I REALLY want her to play softball but at the same time I want her to follow the activity she loves most - and right now she would pick gymnastics over dance even)

Keep the experiences and input coming.

 

[deedeetoo]

Another thought. Once you get in, its tough to get them to stop if they like it. And it sneaks up on you. It starts by adding one hour, then another night and another hour, and then more hours. My dd is 9 and she is up to 4 nights/wk, 2.5 hours per night. And that doesn't include meets. We have threatened to make her quit because the commitment is hard on us and her (sometimes its really rough getting homework done) but she loves it and being a gymnast is a very strong part of her self-identity.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Gymnastics can be a big time committment as you progress up the levels. Its something you definitely need to be aware of. My dd is in Level 5, plus she plays basketball, soccer, the violin, and is in the orchestra and chorus. This is all her choice not ours btw though I guess we could say no.

I've never heard of a Level 1 team so I'm not sure what type of skills that would be. Our gym doesn't require the purchase of anything until they start competing and we don't start competing until Level 5, though I know some gyms compete at Level 4. In fact I think there is a minimum age for Level 5 competition (I think 7 but I'm not sure). I can't understand why someone that young at Level 1 would need a team leotard, warm ups and pay fees for meets. I know some gyms around here compete at level 4, but if your daughter has just been tapped, I doubt she'll be competing this year. My daughter's gym has pre-team which is where they first pull the girls out of the standard class and girls usually stay there for a year or two.

This is all new to me so I hope I don't sound totally stupid It's my understanding that the gym she goes to has two different types of teams - rec (our local area) & competitive (USAG - does that sound right) basically. Using what I am knowledgeable of it would be like a rec softball team instead of a competitive team. They have levels 1-5 with level 1 starting at age 4 or 4 1/2. I can't say for sure about the team leotard, etc because I have only read the general requirements I haven't spoken to her teacher about it specifically for her level but I know most of the meets for last year were listed as all levels and then there were a couple that were level 4 & 5 only. I honestly didn't pay a lot of attention because I assumed (dangerous I know) that it wasn't even something to consider for a couple more years. I think what makes it harder is the teacher asked her/me if she wanted to be on her level 1 team for this year. If it had been up to me to take the initiative for her to try out etc, it would have been easier to just not do it.

 

[carj]

I think that I would look at the time commitment and cost and weigh that against what amount of time that you are willing to devote to the sport.

If she is going to start Kindergarten in the fall I would consider that as well. Going to school all day is exhausting. As much as he loved participating in activities, he really wanted to relax after school.

It is nice that they have asked her to join the team but my thought would be that if this not something that YOU were looking for her to participate in, I would decline. (You can always decide to join next year.)

In my experience, which is NOT with gymnastics, it seems to be that extra hour a week that pushes the activity from "fun" to "work" with my kids. My son loved playing soccer when they practiced one hour a week and had games on Saturdays. He stopped enjoying it when the practices went up to 2-3 times a week. That is when we decided to try something else. (He was 5 by the way, and they were practicing 2-3 times a week and had a game every Saturday!) I think that is way too much for a 5 year old!


Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[mom2myprincess]

Hi, My DD(5) is in competition dancing. She absolutely loves it. She told me she wants to dance til she's 100 yrs. old. Anyway, we don't have very many little girls around our neighborhood either. I signed her up for gymnastics over the summer. However, when school starts she will only be taking dancing at the studio and at school. I don't know anything about competing in gymnastics. I would just be careful not to put her into too many activities. Also, I know dance competition takes up some weekends. I don't know how you feel about using up your weekends if you have to travel.

Me DH DD(5)

 

[blackforest]

Another aspect to consider is the physicality (sp?) of the gymnastics. At this age, would it be taken into account what her body could take, as far as, stress and possible injuries? Sometimes I've seen young kids pushed to far; their bodies just aren't up to what these types of sports require of them. There is a definite learning process to any type of activity, as long is it is age appropriate.

 

[mamaLori05]

I say if she wants to do it, let her. If she finds she doesn't like it, then you simply don't sign up for the next year. My dd has been in gymnastics since she was 1, now 3. Her teacher just recommended we sign her up for the 4-5 yr old class. She LOVES it!!! I originally started it just as a mommy and me thing to get us out of the house and for her to get with other kids, but now she begs to go to gymnastics. Right now we go 2x per week. I've never pushed her to do anything, and if she came to me and said she didn't want to do it anymore, than we would finish our the session and be done. Anyway, my point after all that is if she likes it, then I don't see any reason not to do it. My only suggestion would be to tell her she can do 1 or 2 sports, but not all of them. I could see all of them being a bit too much, expecially if gynastics is more than once a week.

 

[deedeetoo]

This is all new to me so I hope I don't sound totally stupid It's my understanding that the gym she goes to has two different types of teams - rec (our local area) & competitive (USAG - does that sound right) basically. Using what I am knowledgeable of it would be like a rec softball team instead of a competitive team. They have levels 1-5 with level 1 starting at age 4 or 4 1/2. I can't say for sure about the team leotard, etc because I have only read the general requirements I haven't spoken to her teacher about it specifically for her level but I know most of the meets for last year were listed as all levels and then there were a couple that were level 4 & 5 only. I honestly didn't pay a lot of attention because I assumed (dangerous I know) that it wasn't even something to consider for a couple more years. I think what makes it harder is the teacher asked her/me if she wanted to be on her level 1 team for this year. If it had been up to me to take the initiative for her to try out etc, it would have been easier to just not do it.

My gym only has USAG teams. There is something called prep op but that is at the same levels as USAG just not as competitive. USAG meets are local meets though if your really really good you can compete on a national level. USAG levels go up to 10 (I think) and then you are elite.

I'm not sure what a rec team would be and can't imagine what the girls that young would do at a meet. Are you sure that she would be competing? I think maybe you are misreading the website. There might be meets for only USAG level 4 and 5, and then meets for all USAG levels. I think the rec teams may not compete at all.

You might also want to do a little research on gyms in your area. Some are more competitive than others. You want one that is a good fit for you. I would be leary of a gym that has 4 year olds competing.

 

[Kid in Me]

My daughter started at age 5 and same scenario. We were taken in before we knew what was happening. My daughter is now 9 and on level 5. I often wish I knew the committment and expenses before I ever said yes. It is the ONLY sport my daughter participates in. She truly LOVES it and it committed. However, I do agonize about meets that are somtimes 5 hours away and the cost of rising gas. The meet fees run around $450.00 and the leotard and warmup suit around $200.00. Because she is level 5 she is required to do 9 hours a week 3 hours/3days a week. I have not stopped her from doing it because she loves it and wants to stick with it. It gives her confidence in herself. If you daughter doesn't love it and can be offered another sport or dancing than I would consider it. I often wish that someone had given me the heads up before my daughter got involved and fell in love. The things we do for our kids..........................

 

[carone0318]

Ok, here's my story. Dd is a level 8 (USAG) and will be 12 in Sept. She started gymnastics at the age of 4. Basically levels 1-3 are glorified rec. classes but they prep you for Level 4. The time commitment isn't that big compared to the upper levels of gym. When dd was a level 4 (age 7/8) she also did dance, horseback riding and soccer. Level 5 we dropped down to just gym and soccer. Dance was on the same day as her gym and the riding was something that was with her grandmother and I personally couldn't do it (I'm not a horse person, other than betting )

I will tell you that you do get sucked in slowly over time, but it has to be something that your dd loves. She will not put in the hours that is required if she doesn't love it. Gymnastics is one of those sports that if they show potential, you try to catch it at a young age. The younger they are the easier it is to get them to do skills (they tend to just do, rather than think about the skill). Also, for my dd doing gym before she started school and then being on team it was all she ever knew. It is no big deal for dd now (just finishing 6th grade) to be at the gym 4 nights during the week, going straight from school, getting home around 8:30, eating dinner, doing homework, getting cleaned up and then going to bed around 10pm. She is an honor roll student.

Dd now goes to the gym 5 days a week and also still plays travel soccer (but this is only possible because dh is the coach and if that wasn't the case, gym would be the only thing she does.) She is in the gym 20 hrs a week. Gymnastics is a very costly sport too. Luckily our gym doesn't do the travel (fly-away or even really out of State) meets for the lower levels (Level 7 and down), it really serves no purpose. Levels 8 and up need it for qualifying and the older girls need it to be seen for college purposes (they need to be at the "better/premier" meets). A 10 yr old Level 5 does not need to fly anywhere for a meet, except for personal enjoyment - it serves no other purpose.

I personally would say give it a try, if it doesn't work out you can always pull her (the gym probably has a 30 day written notice or such). If you try, you will never look back in the future and say I wonder if....

 

[Kid in Me]

My daughter who is 10 and a level 5 is expected to attend meets. She is registered Nationally and is scored at each meet and needs to qualify to be in the States. We do not travel outside of our State of Maine for "our personal enjoyment". There are usually 5 to 6 meets per season. We travel from Maine to Vermont because that is where the meet is held. In order for my daughter to participate in the sport and be on a competitive team we need to show up to the required meets. I am insulted by your remark that we do it for "our personal enjoyment". I was just posting feedback as requested in the thread. I was not hoping to be insulted.

Ok, here's my story. Dd is a level 8 (USAG) and will be 12 in Sept. She started gymnastics at the age of 4. Basically levels 1-3 are glorified rec. classes but they prep you for Level 4. The time commitment isn't that big compared to the upper levels of gym. When dd was a level 4 (age 7/8) she also did dance, horseback riding and soccer. Level 5 we dropped down to just gym and soccer. Dance was on the same day as her gym and the riding was something that was with her grandmother and I personally couldn't do it (I'm not a horse person, other than betting )

I will tell you that you do get sucked in slowly over time, but it has to be something that your dd loves. She will not put in the hours that is required if she doesn't love it. Gymnastics is one of those sports that if they show potential, you try to catch it at a young age. The younger they are the easier it is to get them to do skills (they tend to just do, rather than think about the skill). Also, for my dd doing gym before she started school and then being on team it was all she ever knew. It is no big deal for dd now (just finishing 6th grade) to be at the gym 4 nights during the week, going straight from school, getting home around 8:30, eating dinner, doing homework, getting cleaned up and then going to bed around 10pm. She is an honor roll student.

Dd now goes to the gym 5 days a week and also still plays travel soccer (but this is only possible because dh is the coach and if that wasn't the case, gym would be the only thing she does.) She is in the gym 20 hrs a week. Gymnastics is a very costly sport too. Luckily our gym doesn't do the travel (fly-away or even really out of State) meets for the lower levels (Level 7 and down), it really serves no purpose. Levels 8 and up need it for qualifying and the older girls need it to be seen for college purposes (they need to be at the "better/premier" meets). A 10 yr old Level 5 does not need to fly anywhere for a meet, except for personal enjoyment - it serves no other purpose.

I personally would say give it a try, if it doesn't work out you can always pull her (the gym probably has a 30 day written notice or such). If you try, you will never look back in the future and say I wonder if....

 

[princessesx2]

levels 1-3 are "pre team" skill building. USAG for competative gymnasts level 4 -10 (and elite) at local, state, regional and national levels. Every gym is different some more competative some less. My dd (7) is state ranked level 4. She started in rec gym @3 and moved to pre team @ 5 and USAG team @ 6. SHe loves it...this child lives, eats and breaths gymnastics. The team she is on practices (level 4) 6-8 hrs per week (depending on if there is a meet) She works the same compulsory routine every time and will be level 5 next year. Let your dd try it, but find out exactly what is expected of her (and you finacially and time wise) Best luck!

 

[carone0318]

My daughter who is 10 and a level 5 is expected to attend meets. She is registered Nationally and is scored at each meet and needs to qualify to be in the States. We do not travel outside of our State of Maine for "our personal enjoyment". There are usually 5 to 6 meets per season. We travel from Maine to Vermont because that is where the meet is held. In order for my daughter to participate in the sport and be on a competitive team we need to show up to the required meets. I am insulted by your remark that we do it for "our personal enjoyment". I was just posting feedback as requested in the thread. I was not hoping to be insulted.

I am sorry you are insulted, obviously you are travelling out of state for a reason. In NJ to qualify for a state meet at Level 5 you qualify at a Sectional in State not out. There are Level 5s who do fly-aways to Florida and Texas and everywhere else under the sun from NJ and honestly there is no need for that. Are you doing a fly-away to Vermont to qualify for your State meet in Maine or are you driving? If you are not flying than you should not be insulted by my post because I clearly stated that doing a fly-away meet for level 7 and under is really not necessary because the highest the levels go for USAG level 7 and down is States, there is no Regionals or Nationals.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Thanks for all the input - I really appreciate it. I am really just indecisive about it all. I didn't expect for participating on a "team" (however it works and whatever they do ) to even be an option for a while. I see how easily it all comes to her now and how much fun it is for her and it only makes sense to encourage it - especially from my first hand viewpoint of struggling so much with gymnastics skills myself when I tried at a later age (and I was athletic). I think I will just sit down with her teacher and ask her what the normal progression is and go from there.

 

[surfgirl]

btw, when you were in grade school and couldn't do the skills doesn't mean she should learn them now. We all have strengths and weaknesses and there are sports that gymnasts can't do well (softball for example). I wouldn't factor that into her decision if she wants to do it or not.

(sorry poorly worded, but my brain is befuddled right now)