For every gymnast, there is a different motivational need. This
is the same in anything, really -- we all have different ways in
which we are given confidence in ourselves, no matter what we
do. Whether we write or draw, sing or dance, we all need
encouragement. Indeed, gymnasts need encouragement in their
sport more than many, because they are actually attempting to
train their bodies and their minds in order to move correctly,
to be able to take the strain of the sport. As a parent of a
gymnast, there are many ways in which you can motivate your
child. Some of them might work. Some of them might not. Find
what is most comfortable for you and your gymnast and stick with
it. It’s easier for you both that way.
Show Interest
First and foremost, in order to motivate a child--most certainly
a gymnast--you need to show interest in what they are doing. If
he or she feels as though you are uninterested in the sport as a
whole, then they may become discouraged all together. How do you
show interest, even if gymnastics aren’t your absolute favorite
sport in the world? Actually, it’s pretty easy. First, you can
warm up with them before they train. Join in with their
stretches or their jogging, if you can. It feels good and it
sets an example. If you don’t want to run around with them, then
you can ask them about their days at practice. What did they do?
What did they learn? Many young gymnasts will jump at the chance
to teach their parents something. It gives them the sense that
you have things to learn from them, and all around, it is a
wholesome feeling. Finally, it’s a good idea to attend at least
one of their practices every once in a while. Make the effort.
It will be worthwhile for everyone concerned. Also, good
communication with the coaches can be established there, which
can certainly be beneficial.
Education
Education about the sport is a great way to motivate your young
gymnast! For the enthusiast, this should be an easy matter. Just
take care not to overwhelm your child with too much information
at once. There is no dearth of exciting information out there
about gymnastics, from the types of maneuvers that can be made
in the many variations of the sport: rings, vaulting, parallel
bars, and so on., to the salaries of professional gymnastics
specialists in circuses and theatrical shows, to the
accomplishments of gymnasts around the globe. This can certainly
foster interest. If indeed it does, then encourage them to
pursue it!
Positive Feedback
When your child is involved with gymnastics, it is always good
to offer them positive feedback, no matter what they do. Instead
of pointing out flaws directly, you should give them praise for
what they did correctly in their drills or in their
competitions. Don’t allow them to get down about doing things
incorrectly or incompletely -- instead, keep their spirits up by
telling them to repeat what they did correctly before. This is
usually used in conjunction with constructive criticism, and it
generally works the best out of all of the motivational methods
for the most people. For some, it can be somewhat irritating;
some actually prefer honest criticism so that they can improve
by knowing what they did wrong. For the majority, it is
heartening to hear someone say, “Well, this was really
impressive…”
Constructive Criticism
Used in conjunction with positive feedback, constructive
criticism gives an athlete an idea of what needs improvement in
a tactful and non-offensive way. If your child is particularly
sensitive to criticism, it may be a good idea to just offer
positive feedback, but most generally, the combination of the
two works nicely together. There is a note you must be aware of
before you give your child any amount of constructive criticism,
and that is its timing. It’s advisable not to do so right after
they have finished their training session. Wait until just
before they start the next one, so they have some perspective on
what they need to improve upon, without feeling as though you’re
ready to “shoot them down,” so to speak. They’ll definitely
appreciate it.
Competition/Reward
Finally, for the more experienced gymnast, there is the concept
of competition-and-reward in the sport. This is sometimes used
by coaches to encourage their athletes to compete against one
another and to improve, all with the promise of some kind of
reward. It may be a pizza party, it may be a day off, it really
depends upon what level of the sport your child is in. You can
use it to your advantage, too, in just about any way you can
imagine!
Take note that punishment is not one of the recommended
motivational methods. Punishment is always negative and
decreases motivation in the long term. In fact, it may even lead
to the development of phobias or aversions in the future.
With this in mind, I hope that your gymnast is motivated and
successful!
If you want to read more about motivation, I recommend you take
a look at another article I wrote giving specific advice on
increasing motivation: Gymnastics Motivation Or check out my
favorite book on the subject:
http://gymnasticssecretsrevealed.com/good/motivate.htm .
By Murray Hughes Gymnastics Secrets Revealed ”The book EVERY
gymnastics parent should read”
http://www.gymnasticssecretsrevealed.com/gymnastics-articles/gymn
astics_motivation.htm
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