All Progress is Good Progress

GymMomGuru:

My oldest daughter Sam did two seasons of Level 4 AND two seasons of Level 5. Jessie did one season of Level 4 and two seasons of Level 5. Some of their teammates moved up more quickly.  At the time, I was frustrated they were not “staying with the group” and moving up to the next level. However, what I learned after looking back on the situation, is repeating a level was the best thing that could have happened to each of them. They developed confidence, got a taste of success and mastered the basics. They were able to quickly progress through the levels after their slow start. Oh yeah, and they caught up with their group, so that was not a big deal. 

I know it is stressful when the coach tells you that your daughter could benefit from another season at their current level. However, the coach is working with your daughter in the gym at every practice and knows her struggles, fears and maturity in the sport. The coach is usually the best judge as to which level she should compete. My advice is to trust the coach. 

My daughters are perfect examples of gymnasts who benefitted from staying at the levels a little longer and mastering the basics before moving up. They zoomed quickly through Levels 6-10 (although some gymnasts will zoom through compulsories and then get struck at a higher level a little longer). They all progress at their own rate and speed.