How you can support your child's gymnastics journey at home- a parent's guide

Introduction

As a parent/guardian, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's gymnastics journey (not just the journey to and from your little one’s sessions!).

Not only does your support help to build their confidence and motivation within their gymnastics sessions, but it can also help them to achieve their full potential in other aspects of their lives as they develop into well rounded teens and adults.

The purpose of this blog is to firstly appreciate all the dedication and support that our amazing BTG parents provide, but also to offer parents/guardians with tips and strategies for supporting your child's Beth Tweddle Gymnastics journey at home.

Set up a safe practice space at home

Having a designated practice space at home can be incredibly beneficial for your child's progress, whether that is simply a room where items can be moved, or an outdoor space where they can practice (weather permitting of course!). It provides your little one with a designated area to focus on their skills in a safe environment, practice the elements they’ve learnt in recent sessions and helps to establish a positive routine.

When setting up a practice space, it's important to consider safety and functionality. Make sure the space is free of clutter and hazards, and that there is enough room for your child to move around comfortably. By having the space to practice, and the support of a parent/guardian, your little gymnast is much more likely to make progress and feel confident about their gymnastics journey.

Communicating with your BTG coach

Open communication with your child's coach is essential for all aspects of their progress, physical, mental, and social. It allows you as a parent/guardian to stay informed about your child's progress and support them effectively in their journey. Ensuring that you are aware of their growth, no matter how small, and showing interest and excitement is a great way to ensure your little one stays motivated and engaged with gymnastics and gets the full benefit of being part of the BTG Family.

Bonus tip- it is also a great way to meet like minded parents who can share stories of support and in many cases become life-long family friends.

Encouraging practice and progress at home

We know that sometimes the idea of peeling your little one away from a screen and motivating them to practice at home can be a challenge, but there are several strategies you can try. One way is to set specific and achievable goals for your child to work towards each week/month and set time aside for them to work towards this goal. This will give them something to focus on and help them to see their progress. It's also important to celebrate and acknowledge their accomplishments, whether it's a new skill or improvement in their technique. Your BTG coach can help you with this by sharing the focuses for each month, helping you with ideas of how you can practice these at home.

Here at Beth Tweddle Gymnastics, we love celebrating the accomplishments of our gymnasts and giving them the platform to show off their hard work to parents, grandparents, friends and family. Our regular Beth Tweddle Gymnastics Celebration Events are the perfect way to show your support for the amazing hard work that your child puts into their session each week.

Find out more about Celebration Events and when the next one is for your area here > https://www.bethtweddlegymnastics.co.uk/events-calendar

Addressing burnout and injury prevention

While we always ensure that our gymnasts are focussed on fun and enjoyment of the sport, there is no doubt that gymnastics can sometimes be an intense and demanding sport, and it's important to be aware of the signs of burnout in young gymnasts, and children in general. These signs include a lack of motivation, fatigue, and a decrease in performance. To prevent burnout, it's important to encourage your child to take breaks and engage in other activities outside of gymnastics. Remember that balance is just as important outside of gymnastics as it is on the beam!

Conclusion

In conclusion, parental support plays a crucial role in your child's Beth Tweddle gymnastics journey. By setting up a practice space at home, communicating with your child's coach, encouraging practice and progress, and being aware of the signs of potential burnout, you can help your child to achieve their full potential, both in and outside of gymnastics. Remember to always celebrate their successes and be there to support them through the challenges.

If you have any questions or would like extra support with your little one’s journey, you are not alone. As a part of the BTG Family, our team of expert coaches and management team are here to help every step of the way. Simply speak to one of our team on your next visit or reach out to us with any questions you may have that will help your child enjoy their gymnastics journey a little more this year.