Going for Gold!
By cdparazo
@cdparazo (5765)
Philippines
June 3, 2007 7:41am CST
I had a discussion way back about my daughter taking up gymnastics for the summer. She wanted to have the singing lesson but it was just too expensive and too way beyond my budget. Last May 31, my daughter had her first taste of competition wherein all students taking up gymnastics will compete according to their level. Since its my daughter's first time, she was categorized as level 1. I went to her competition expecting nothing because I know of course what she can do. I was so surprised then, that she got the GOLD or 1st place for the level one. I can't help feeling so proud of her. I was beyond seventh heaven I think! I never thought that I could want my daughter to compete that I was actually thinking of allowing her to continue her lessons. My daughter had asked me to continue the lessons 3 times a week or just every weekend when the school year opens but I actually thought of not allowing her because I don't want her distracted. For me, gymnastics was just a way to occupy her time during summer. I didn't even realize that she wanted to be really good and that she wanted to be the best in her class. She practices all by herself and she's only 5 years old that I get really worried. Sometimes I get irritated by her since she keeps on practicing even in our room when we are about to sleep doing all those back flips and spits that I had to scold her hard to stop. Even if I told her to stop doing all those splits and back bends, she still keep on that I really have to scold her harder. But I am happy to see that my 5-year old sees that excellence or being the best means practicing and exerting the extra effort. All in all, the quest for excellence really comes from the individual. I notice that my daughter has that drive and I will just be as happy to support her all the way. I will just have to make sure though that she doesn't neglect her studies among other things.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@rtydata (80)
• Philippines
3 Jun 07
That's great! Congratulations! I do hope you allow her to continue her lessons. I'm pretty sure that if she learns how to dedicate her time properly with your guidance, she won't neglect her studies. This might even install more discipline in her knowing that she would have to balance her co-curricular and academic activities. I was fortunate enough to have parents who were very supportive of me having art and music lessons. They were proud of whatever I had achieved and I believe that it has made me a better person. My former boss allowed her daughter to have gymnastics training as well and now, she is captain of her school's cheering squad and dance troupe, gaining several top awards all over the country. She's also very good with her academics and is even in her class' top 10 I think.
1 person likes this
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
3 Jun 07
This sounds excellent for a 5 year old. As long as she doesn't neglect her studies I would let her continue. My neice wants to take dance lessons but my sister thanks she's to young at age 4 but she'll turn 5 this September I think after reading this she should give her a chance.
1 person likes this
@add_im (2712)
• Philippines
3 Jun 07
How cute! :-), that is a great thing about your daughter's eagerness when it comes to her gymnast class, she wants to be the best of all the rest...and that's indeed a good positive attitude she can gain towards herself knowing that she's only 5 yrs old to do such a thing, but in her mind and action she wants to see her own abilities when it comes to such a thing and also what encourages her a lot is your moral support and presence being always there with her, that when everytime she sees you she'll gain more courage and strength to do more, so you could always be proud of her and her works. Goodluck to your daughter and to you as well. :-)
