Posts Tagged ‘Verona’
Confessions of a Gymnastics Coach: The Day My Athlete Called Me Out
I have a confession to make. The other night at team training, I slipped. One of my gymnasts finished an attempt, and as I was trying to watch nine other athletes at the exact same time, I casually threw out a, “Hey, awesome job!” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t awesome. Her form was off, her focus…
Read MoreBuilding Real Confidence: Why We Don’t Hide the “Red Pens”
I recently had a fascinating conversation with a parent that really made me think. She was hesitant about enrolling her child because she worried that competitive environments do more harm than good. Her view was that sports should focus entirely on constant praise and protecting a child’s feelings, rather than emphasizing competition or correction. We…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Big Sister Energy: A Letter to a Newborn (From a 7-Year-Old)
Every now and then, a story makes the rounds in the coaching community that hits you right in the feels. A coaching friend of mine, Jeri, shared one with me a while ago, and it perfectly captures why we love what we do. Jeri coaches the upper-level competitive athletes at her gym, so while she…
Read MoreReady for School? Us too!
This is the time of year when kids are ready to go back to school. They have played all summer long and are ready to get back to the orderly day of school and after school activities. I remember as a child when the end of August rolled up that I was usually anxious to…
Read MoreWhat 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 MoreChallenges in Getting Kids into the Gym
The instructor is the bridge between the child and the activity, so it’s important for both parents and children to feel comfortable with them.
Read MoreWhy Gymnastics?
One of my favorite things I can share is what I heard this week. A mother was sharing her morning story with other parents in the lobby; she told everyone how her son, had put her car keys in her hand and said “let’s go mom, I don’t want to be late.” When kids are having fun and loving what they’re doing, you don’t have to push them.
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 MoreThe Value of Gymnastics Part 1
Gymnastics offers comprehensive benefits beyond physical fitness.
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