Character
What is “it” with Goal Setting?
Long ago, at a Tumbling and Trampoline meet—I sent my son Owen onto the floor with a typical parental pep talk:“OK, Owen, go out there and go for it. You can do it!” He took off toward his team but quickly turned back.“Dad! What is it?” Great question. For years, athletes have heard coaches and…
Read MoreWhat Makes Winners Win?
Everyone has the inner drive to succeed, whether in sports, academics, or character growth. I believe that every child can be a winner. Sometimes it may manifest as a defeat in competition, but the victory will still arrive after the game. How can any child lose when they have the capacity to help others, to learn, to increase their motivation, to grow and to flourish?
Read MoreThe Value of Gymnastics Part 2
Gymnastics demands self-control, patience, and discipline. Children must practice focused control for activities like balancing on the beam or completing skill sequences. Learning patience, whether waiting for a turn or mastering a complex skill, builds character and mental strength. Active children can release energy in a healthy way, while those who need structure find it through the sport’s discipline.
Read MoreWhat Do We Learn After The Cartwheel
Success comes when we face our fears and act anyway. As a coach, watching a gymnast finally nail a skill after months of work is priceless. I face fears every day, just in different ways now, and gymnastics taught me how to push through.
Read MoreFinding My Own Way Through Gymnastics
Most of my friends thought I was a little strange. I was pretty solitary, spending most of my time in my own head, working through my mistakes and finding confidence in gymnastics. When other kids felt awkward or unsure, I found comfort and peace in the sport. Gymnastics kept me centered and gave me a purpose when I really needed one.
Read MoreEncouraging Our Young Athletes Toward Success
If you focus on simply beating others, even a medal around your neck won’t bring real fulfillment. But if you compete to meet your own standards, to be better than you were yesterday, then you’ll find true satisfaction. Victory is about growth, not just trophies or medals.
Read MoreHow to support your athlete
Remember and share with your child that their worth is not based on the outcome of a game, meet, class, or score. Helping them to understand that no outcome is final and that tomorrow begins the opportunity to change the result you had today will help your child understand and deal with the frustrations that come with sports.
Read MoreSpecial 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.
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