The best motivation for any child in gymnastics will ultimately come from within. It is that self-directed attitude and determination that will see them through difficulties and give them the courage to keep going. But there are many ways parents can help motivate and inspire their children without being overbearing or “crushing the spirit.”
Movies can be a really fun way to inspire your young gymnast. It’s hard for kids to see the “big picture” of what they’re doing or what the possible end results might be, and movies can help give them an idea of what’s involved and what the rewards of gymnastics videos might be. There are some good gymnastics movies like “Nadia” and “Stick It,” but really any movie that shows little kids working hard and reaching for their dreams can have a positive influence. Or even better than the movies, bring them to reality! Go to high-level events so they can see first-hand what’s possible in children’s gymnastics.
Biographies of famous athletes may appeal to your child. Chances are, your local library has dozens of suitable biographies to choose from, and you might be surprised by some of the deals you can find on used books on Amazon.com. Another thing that no child would object to is choosing a gym magazine they would like to subscribe to. The biggest part of all of this is getting them involved in the decision. Let them pick out kids’ gym clothes, leotards, or fun t-shirts. All this gives them more ownership of their activity.
Depending on how long or how often your child practices, doing a little conditioning at home can help him or her have more confidence for their practices or competitions. If they’re watching TV, have them work on their stretches or do push-ups and sit-ups during the commercials. If you have more than one child involved in sports, make up games or competitions that involve safe conditioning exercises. And here’s a challenge: Do it with them! If they see you doing these things, there’s a good chance they’ll join you. Make it fun and play games with it. I highly recommend not doing actual gym training, but there are a few things you could use such as parallel bars (mini parallel bars on the floor) and pull-up bars that can be used in many different types of exercises. But doing other activities, like swimming, mini-rock climbing, or an aerobic activity, can keep you from getting burned while building your stamina and strength.
children’s gymnastics It is a very demanding sport but through different motivational activities, your child will remain full of energy to achieve his goals. Be enthusiastic about your activities and be a good example of what a motivated person looks like! They will learn much more from the way you live life than from what you tell them.
