How to Get Started with Gymnastics for Kids

Gymnastics is a fun sports especially among toddlers and pre-schoolers and of course, these little beings will not find it as a sport but instead, as just another game because they can perform activities which they like best at their age such as tumbling, jumping, running, and swinging.  In addition, these activities can help them channel their energies in a very positive way because of the benefits gymnastics can offer. But the problem is, parents have no idea on how to get started with it.  Here are some suggested steps. 

Steps in Getting Started with Gymnastics

1. You have to check if there are gymnastics centers that offer classes at different age levels in your area first.  Why is this important?  Teaching kids can be tricky as they are demanding in terms of attention and it will be a disaster if you lump toddlers with pre-schoolers or kindergarten level kids joining those who are over 7 years old.  While it is always possible, classes should be based on age and if the child shows some very satisfactory progress, then that is the time that the kid is mixed with kids older than him or her.

2. You have to set realistic goals.  Just because the child is enthusiastic and shows huge potentials to become a professional athlete, you will raise your expectations.  Remember that initially, learning process should be fun filled.  Let the child discover her or his potentials.  Remember that any sport is like a priestly vocation; many are called, but few are chosen. 

3. You have to familiarize yourself with the whole program.  You should know different gymnastics exercises and routines exclusive for boys and girls and routines for both genders.  You can visit websites that deal with gymnastics and familiarize yourself with what you need to know so you have a gist if your child can already do these routines and exercises or discuss issues with their teachers if you have special concerns.

4. Weigh the benefits too since there are lots of them.  As a parent, you should be able to determine what types of benefits you want your child to acquire. For example, if your kid is already confident enough, a program can enhance his or her confidence further. You should also look on other benefits and ask the teachers or coaches on how they are going to use gymnastics to help develop such skills for your kid. 

5. One of the advantages of gymnastic classes for kids is that any child can start very early from one year old to three years old for example.  However, as a parent you also have to ascertain if it is the proper age for your kids to start doing gymnastics.  There might be some limitations on the physical structure of your child; thus, it is important that you should visit a medical expert first and get a go signal that your child is capable of handling activities like running, walking, jumping, and swinging. 

6. In relation to the above item, a medical prognosis will help determine if your child needs regular gymnastic classes or a special gymnastic program.  You should know that being hyperactive is a cause for alarm for parents.  There might be some reasons why the kid is fond of jumping, running, and climbing without getting tired. 

7. Let the child explore with other kids first during classes.  Let the child spend a few minutes exploring first to see if your kid can appreciate and become excited with different activities involving gymnastics.  Remember that they are the ones who shall be attending classes not you and kids should feel that they look forward to each gymnastics lessons. 

8. You have to be familiar with the sport itself.  Some of the important aspects on gymnastics that you should know are on the areas of:

1. Safety. While it is fun and exciting for kids, they can be exposed to injuries like colliding with fellow toddler or kids or due to wrong tumbling or flipping movement. So, you have to discuss safety measures that teachers implement to avoid sprains and tearing of muscles for example. 
2. Gears. You have to know if you will provide your own gear for your kids or if the sports center will take care of the provision.  Remember that buying gymnastics gears like wrist straps and guards, grips, special footwear, and belts may take a toll on your budget. 
3. Safe learning. What safety measures the facility has in order to avoid injuries?  Are there first aid kits available?  Are there medical professionals who can immediately attend to injuries? 
4. Preparation. These are the activities involved prior to formal gymnastics lessons.  Remember that kids’ bodies are still pliant but it doesn’t mean that they will not receive preparatory exercises to make their body accustomed to more difficult tasks in gymnastics. 

9. You also have to evaluate your role as a parent.  Do you have tendencies to become a stage father or mother?  It’s an attitude where you do not want your kids to be exposed with potential injuries from performing gymnastics exercises or pressuring your kids to be competitive with other kids.  Sometimes, parents can make or break the future of their kids by acting like a stage parent. 

10. Enrolling your child in a gymnastics program for kids is like enrolling them for pre-school or day care centers.  You have to know if the people behind the gymnastics center are qualified to accept toddlers or kids as students.  You also have to know their schedules and other activities like preparatory exercises, activities during break time, and pep talk.  This way, you will be confident that your child is in the right place when it comes to learning gymnastics.

So, are you ready to enrol your child with kid’s gymnastics program after reading this article? If so, what are you waiting for? Do so now.  

See also 10 Things Children Learn At Gymnastics Class