Gym Parent - Kim

 I would like to share my parent experiences with having a daughter in gymnastics. My daughter joined this gym about 16 months ago. Before this time, she was a "self-taught" gymnast. She "hounded" me for quite some time before I finally caved and signed her up. Although she had some great skills prior to joining, she has really fine tuned those skills she knew, and gained and developed so many more. I find these accomplishments so amazing given her short time here at the gym.

Her first competition season was of course stressful and nerve wracking, and I am sure the upcoming meets will be as well; however, that did not stop her at all. She told us she was going to make it to states, and she did! She told us she was going to make it to Regional's, and she did! We of course encouraged that mindset, but also tried to prepare her for disappointment just in case she did not make it those meets. She would state her understanding of our conversations and would follow that with "but I am going". She always looks forward to practice and is always determined to learn more skills on each event.

I am so glad that I finally signed her up and that all of the coaches have really worked with and encouraged her to always strive for success. She may not always reach her goals in the time frame she wants, but she does not give up. That just makes her that much more determined to work harder the next practice! My daughter was truly meant to be a gymnast. She is constantly doing gymnastics at home (even in her sleep! LOL), and she loves talking about it with friends and family. She has also developed some great friendships with other gymnasts. The support and encouragement I see them give each other makes me speechless! 

​Even though she has only been at the gym for 16 months, she has grown tremendously. Not only in skill, but in mind set as well. Yes, team gymnastics is a commitment by both the gymnast and the parents, it is absolutely worth it to see them grow and develop in such an amazing way! I am looking forward to reading more blogs about parent or gymnast experiences. 

Writer: Kim Samson (Daughter, Xcel Platinum Gymnast)