So, every six weeks a new session begins at Gymnastics. And every first day of the new session is a smattering of mothers mumbling under their breath the anger of the inconsistency of the teaching staff. What gives? Why is it the fault of the Gymnastics school that the teachers have changed? This is a phenomena I do not understand.
I dropped my daughter off yesterday afternoon 5 minutes late to Gymnastics class (as always). She popped a kiss to me and bounced right into the warm-ups. Behind me was a mother cursing loud enough for just a few of us to capture what it was she was complaining about…”New Teacher! She was just getting used to the other one, now they change, dammit. She’s all out of sorts…” She went on for a while, hoping to find some sympathy in the room.
None to be found here. Now, I know, perhaps her child has special needs and requires the consistency in their lives. Well, not so much for this little gymnast. She’s my daughters age, and has been going to the classes as long as my daughter has. No excuses mom. I watched from day one this little girl clinging to her mother, and mom coddling her in return. Come on! Break the umbilical cord already.
Why do parents feel this abandonment? Yes, it is the parent who is feeling abandoned. Why would you put your child in the class, angry they won’t let go, then smile casually as you hand a screaming , crying, miserable child to a Gymnastics Teacher? In my world children are this way because 1) We allow them to do this and don’t follow through on our actions, and 2) they simply are not ready for an extracurricular activity without the womb.
Don’t sign your children up for activities unless you can let go. Please, don’t watch the class, unless you’ve been invited in. It’s like watching paint dry and you will only critique the way they are working with your child. The gymnastics academy my daughter attends has two “viewing windows”. They are 24″ x 24″ total. This is for a reason. Take the hint.
Six weeks comes and goes. Teachers, instructors, coaches, come and go when you sign-up for extracurricular activities that are on a cycle. Think before you sign-up. Have a positive attitude towards these people who have the patience to work with your little one. And, wait until they are truly ready for you to let go.