Never criticize the coaches in front of anyone else. If you undermine their authority, your child will not respect them. This could set your daughter up for an injury. She needs to know that the coaches are in charge and that she must follow their rules. Gymnastics can be a dangerous sport, and safety must come first. However, never let a coach insult your child. If you believe a coach is taking the wrong approach with your daughter, ask to speak with him/her privately, and then explain your position in a calm manner. Coaches understand that children have different learning styles, and they usually welcome your insight into your child’s particular needs. My daughter responds best to a loud, aggressive coach, but some of her teammates need a softer touch. If the coach isn’t willing to listen to you, then it’s time to look for a new team (but make sure you are being realistic, and don’t expect the coach to show favorites).
Be a Team Player
Support the entire team. If the team is trying to raise money for a trip to Regionals, then pitch in and help out. You can wash cars, make pancakes, and sell cookie dough just like everyone else. If the team is hosting a meet, volunteer to work as a spotter, a scorekeeper, a popcorn maker, or a t-shirt salesperson. By doing this extra work, you will show your daughter how valuable she is to you. Also, you can build great relationships this way. The girls on my daughter’s team are like sisters to each other, and because I know the other parents so well, I feel comfortable asking them to keep an eye on her when I can’t be there. Another benefit is getting to know the coaches. If they see that you are willing to work hard for the team, they’ll be more willing to listen to your opinions.
Make Health a Priority
Keep your child healthy. Insist on plenty of sleep and serve nutritious meals. Spending a lot of time at the gym means eating a lot of fast-food meals, but they don’t have to be junk-food meals. Make sure your daughter is getting plenty of protein for her muscles, plenty of dark green veggies for folic acid, and plenty of calcium for her bones. Don’t let her load up on sugar—that quick burst of energy won’t sustain her throughout a three-hour practice.