DD and gymnastics injury!

delfin

delfin

Cathlete
My DD has become a competitive gymnast (happened very quickly). I've always felt a little uneasy about it -- guess I'm just a neurotic mom worrying about injuries. And, today, it happened. She dislocated her arm. Seeing her arm in that twisted, awkward position has completely freaked me out. Thankfully, it popped back on route to the ER. But she's got her arm in a sling and we've got to go to the Ortho guy now. I feel like I'm in such a dilemma. She's got such a passion for this sport... and now my fear of it has grown 10X. I don't know how to reconcile my feelings. I don't want to say NO... and I don't want her to get hurt. :-(
 
Delfin, I'm so sorry for your DD!! How old is she? Do you trust her enough/is she old enough to lead you guys through this decision she has to make?

Have you told her it freaked you out, and have you given her a chance to tell you how it felt for her?

Just trying to get a better sense of what you're looking for... :)
 
She's only 11! She's become totally obsessed w/gymnastics (came home with multiple trophies last weekend, and she was soooo happy). What am I looking for??? I don't know... maybe someone to tell me that it's okay to let her do this sport she loves, and that usually makes her so happy (which I love) even though I can't be there to catch her if she falls....
 
"it's okay to let her do this sport she loves, and that usually makes her so happy (which I love) even though I can't be there to catch her if she falls.... "

There, I told ya!

I feel for ya. My DD competes in Karate, and I know what it is like. She has had several injuries, but she has recovered...that is just part of it. I think it is so important, especially for daughters, to find something they have a passion for and to become good at. Competition can be tough, but it can teach so much! It is hard for us moms to see our kids get hurt, but we can handle it if they can, don't you think?

The main thing is for us to support and encourage their efforts while watching out for their safety. If your DD continues in this, the thing you may find hardest is learning to stay on the sidelines....trust me, it won't be the kids that give you problems.
It will be over-involved parents who are way too invested in their kids' success (or lack of it). Boy, I could tell you stories!

But whether or not your DD continues this for the long term, at least you'll be allowing her the chance to find out for herself where she can go with it.

Give her congratulations from another "tournament mom",

Julie:)
 
She loves it.
Let her go.She will heal. No worse than football or basketball.
I know a 17 year old that tore her miniska playing basketball.Down for 8 months .
My beat friend was a gymnast .
5 hrs a night after school. She was heading to the 83 olympics.
Then she found boys. She wanted a life and quit.They had a balance beam ,20 ft lokng in their bedroom.
I went with her one night. I was amazed. She was flippin around on the uneven bars and doing back flips on the balance beam.
It blew my mind.
My friend could do this.
She was built too.More muscle than most of the boys in high school.
95 lbs of muscle and a six pack.
I think it is a beautiful sport. It takes concentration, grace and strength.
Be proud of her.Kids bend and heal well.
She may be the next Cathe .
Good luck mom.
Anne

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8227804&uid=3969941
 
I feel for you, my 15 year old has been cheerleading for 2 years and it's rare for her to come home from practise without a new bump, bruise, twist or strain. I dislike that part so much and find myself worrying about her, but she heals quickly and is happy and ready to get right back out there to work with the team and perfect the stunt. She knows the risks and is coached well to avoid them, she committed to a team and does what she needs to do to see her commitment through. She has learned to work with different personalities and to speak her mind when she has something to contribute, she has learned to critisize and to be critsized constructively. She has been challenged physically and learned (as Cathe says) to embrace it, not fear it. All of this and more have come from her participation and are skills that will transfer beautifully into her adulthood. I love that part!

When it comes to competitions I am such a complete sap. The pure youthful energy is truly awesome and chokes me up every time. Seeing my daughter with her team huddled in a circle jumping and jamming to the music between routines makes my heart soar for her. They competed in regionals 2 weeks ago and won their division, they are off to the National competition in May!! GO FALCONS!!! :7

I hope your daughter heals well and that your completely understandable reservations are eased. Maybe a chat with her coach about your fears would help round out your perspective. It is a tough call, there is much to lose if something goes wrong but there's nothing like seeing your child succeed at something they have worked hard for.

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
Thanks for all your kind words and support! I'm feeling better about it today... but I know I'm going to be shaky once she gets back into it.
 
Can you find out from a trainer what things your DD can do for injury prevention? It is true that sports have risks, all sports, but you can also do things to help prevent injury. They may already be doing that in her program, but find out.
 
Hi Delphin. There is nothing worse than seeing your children get hurt. Boy, I feel for you there. I used to do gymnastics as a kid & that first injury really made me more cautious. She's having fun & sounds like she's good at it. Your her mum, so you're going to worry. I'd let her keep at it. Finding a sport you enjoy is such a blessing. Anyways, you and your daughter are in my prayers. Coleen
P.S.- I know you're a really good mum to even take the time to write. It made my day seeing someone so compassionate!
 
Delfin, I think you're about to do the RIGHT thing. :) I really think you should let her follow what makes her happy. At eleven, and if she's in a good gymnastics program, what's the worst that could happen? I'd hate to see you tell her SHE can't do something that makes her so happy and that she is "successful" in (I guess those trophies mean something, although I never won any when I was eleven at anything! LOL) just because YOU are worried.

The mommy birds can get their baby birds out of the nest to teach them to fly... that's got to be tough, too! But you can do it, and so can she. As long as she still wants to do it, I'd recommend giving her the support she needs.

Can you tell I don't have kids?? :) Hope I'm not butting in too much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top