Character
Special Post: Mixed Emotions on the Passing of a Giant
So, I am saddened by Bela’s passing. I believe that his soul will return to this Earth to try again and hopefully he will evolve and grow to refill the holes he had dug in this go-around. Until then, I will respect the gifts he shared with the world, but will always qualify that respect against the damage he left us to clean up.
Read MoreWords that can make a difference
Sometimes, when you least expect it, hearing someone say “thank you” can really lift your mood and give you a burst of energy. And when you feel appreciated, you’re more likely to spread that kindness to others. It’s like a wave that keeps going.
Read MoreAllowing kids to choose their passion
If the child pulls back and the parent ends up wanting it more than the kid, there will be dire consequences. Not only will the child stagnate in development, but they will feel resentment toward the parent that is pressuring them to continue. “Not my kid.” I have heard parents say on a few occasions. But I am here to tell you. Yes, your kid. Allow them to make their decision to continue or re-choose, not only for the sport development, but because your child needs to feel that they have some say in the investment of their time and effort.
Read More6 Points to help the ride home after practice
Kids as early as 4 years old can detect false emotion. Saying something like “I don’t care how you did today, I love you just the same” is a great message. But the phrasing is cliched and will put a pre-teen or older child into defense mode. Child behavior specialists will tell you how important it is to say this and I agree, but as a coach I can tell you that cliches and following expert scripts will have the opposite effect from what you were looking for. Better yet, make a comment on how proud you are for effort, hard work, progress, or anything that will reinforce that you were actually watching. Their effort is really the only thing that they can control. To compliment it means you value what they did and who they are.
Read MoreKids milestones: growing in Gymnastics (part 2)
By this age, coaches can interact with specific skill stations while others can be self-directed. The kids become more aware of others’ feelings (empathy) at this age. Some time is given in class for team building activities, things like team challenges, or games can help develop a sense of feeling for, and with, other people. They are beginning to understand cause and effect relationships. Classes help them understand that certain movements or patterns will cause specific results. For example putting the arms out to the side while turning makes the turn slower and often can lead them to be off center. Understanding these relationships allows them to understand why they have specific techniques to skill performance.
Read MoreHow To Win
It’s all about cultivating the habit of achievement. Why a person learns to set and work toward goals it eventually just becomes a habit. Whether it’s training in a sport or buckling down academically, accomplishing goals is something you can practice and get better at over time.
Read MoreLet’s Get Kids In Sports Again
While the benefits of sports are undeniable, it’s disheartening to note that girls continue to participate at lower rates than boys. However, I believe in breaking down these barriers and creating inclusive environments where all children feel welcome and encouraged to pursue their athletic passions; boy or girl.
Read MoreWhere did Gymfinity come from?
have had people review us and state that we seem a little “franchise-y”, which makes me laugh. Being our only location but being a product of a life-long passion, the business has been raised to be professional and efficient without ever losing the focus of putting kids first. Without ever forgetting that gymnastics teaches kids so much more than cartwheels. Franchises have to be professional and have business systems in place to assure a quality experience. If that’s how we “seem” then I say; Thank you.
Read MoreYouth Sports and the “Goldilocks” dilemma
As a coach I have seen parents that are too hard on their child, pressuring them to win at all costs. Result? The child wants to throw in the towel, pack up the grips, and call it quits. On the flip side (gymnastics pun), a parent who’s too laid-back and disengaged sends a message that commitment and involvement are about as worthwhile as a crooked balance beam. The child loses interest, and sports become just another forgotten thing they tried….once.
Read MoreIndividual Sports: A Parent’s Guide
All sports are great for kids. However, individual sports offer a wide range of benefits for kids that often get overlooked. They teach important life skills, promote physical activity, and help kids make new friends.
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