Is Gymnastics the Right Choice for Your Preschooler?

Deciding whether to enroll your child in a gymnastics program can be a tough choice for most parents. It has been well known to be a highly competitive sport. It is often associated with young women in their teens or younger who suffer extreme pressure to perform. Some of the dangers include joint injuries and even anorexia.

While this is a concern that parents need to be aware of, it should not prevent you as a parent from enrolling your preschooler into a gymnastics program.Young children who enroll in gymnastics as young as three or four years old benefit both physically and psychologically.

Physical Benefits

Gymnastics provids children with the skills they need to participate in later sports. Many children who begin with tumbling and gymnastic programs grow up to compete in other sports such as football or baseball. A good gymnastics program will teach them rhythm and coordination and provide them with a strong sense of body awareness.

Other benefits may include:

· Flexibility
· Strength
· Coordination
· Balance

The most important benefit a child can gain from a well-rounded program is to have fun and lots of it. If your child does not look forward to his or her classes then you may want to consider a different gym. Your child should never feel any pressure to perform.

Be A Cheerleader, Not A Coach

The best way to be sure that your child is receiving quality instruction is to attend the classes. When your child looks up from her practice and sees you cheering her on, it will give her a feeling of confidence and inner pride.

Unless your child's coach tells you otherwise, it is important not to have your child practice at home. If you have any concerns or questions about what types of exerises your child can do outside of the gym, be sure to ask their coach.

Deciding When To Compete

When your preschooler begins gymnastics it is always best to start off in a team oriented but noncompetitive program. However, there may come a day when your child is ready to compete. How will you know when that day arrives?

Follow your child's direction. Is she passionate about the sport? Is she showing interest in other sports such as soccer or dance classes? Discuss with your child how she feels about competing.

A child who shows potential for competition will often have an inner drive to succeed and will show excitement and focus for the sport. Remember not to become caught up emotionally. You don't want to ever give your child the impression that they have to be the best. Remain objective and supportive. This is about what they want and not what you want for them.

By allowing them to go as far as they want without undue pressure, you will be helping them to achieve confidence and self-discipline. You will become their biggest fan and not their coach.
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