Any gymnastics parents out there?

[Hammer]

We're slightly worried that our daughter is doing too much gym and I wondered what other people's experiences are.

She 7 and is quite good - she's in the 'elite' squad at her gym and trains with the county squad once a month as well. At the moment they are doing 4 sessions of 3 or 4 hours each per week, so somewhere around 15 hours a week, more if there's a competition coming up.

How does this compare with anyone else's experience? Seems like quite a lot to me.

[pinktwink]

yes it is a lot but depends on how mucch she and you wish her to proceed in this area?? Does it interfere in other areas of her life?? Ensure if she is doing so much gym she is eating enough calories . Not to be alarmist but there is a high risk of eating disorders in gymnasts

[tigersam258]

my niece is in a similar position in that with gymnastics, swimming and running, she only has one day of the week where no activity is planned. I think that this equates to around 18-20 hours per week and although she is extremely energetic, I am concerned that this level of activity may be detrimental to her as I am sure that this much physical exertion although good for the heart may be bad for her bones as they are still growing. Her mum and dad seem to be oblivious to it though which is odd as her mum is a paediatric nurse.

[zzxxee]

if she is enjoying it and looks forward to going then let her go as often as she likes
the day she doesnt want to go is the time to quit

[beanebabe]

My 8 year old daughter has just given up gymnastics. She suddenly stopped enjoying it and when I managed to weedle out of her why, she said she was fed up of having aching muscles! As long as your daughter enjoys it and it doesn't impact on other aspects of her life then let her carry on, if not, then you should let her stop.

[ganesh]

These clubs are incredibly pushy and expect real committment. Unless she really loves every minute and wants to be a gymnast then think carefully,and if she shows any boredom then suggest she goes into the normal fun classes.
My daughter got to about 12 before giving it up,and stopped wanting to go at all.

[kippyboo]

If she is enjoying it and she is the one wanting to go leave her to it , but also let her know that if she gets bored with it that's okay too.Plenty more hobbies to discover.
The fact that your'e worried is a good one because you aren't the pushy parent type but are more concerned for your daughters health and happiness .(is quite good - she's in the 'elite' squad) Lots of parents in your posistion would be dreaming of olympic medals and forcing the little mite regardless .
Your little girl has well balanced caring parents and will excell in life .