Gymnastics

What do you do with the child who swings from the rafters?

You put her in gymnastics class.

Jersey #2 does not appear to be cut out for contact sports.  I am not fully clear if it is her personality, or if it is a product of her heart experiences, but she is very set that she does not want anyone or anything  crashing into her torso.  She will run and duck from a ball that is tossed to her, instead of catching it.  She will step aside and let an opponent dribble a soccer ball right past her, or even step away from the ball if she has it and an opponent is approaching.  She does not understand the point of tackle football.  

Jersey #2 will also have limitations about the extent of aerobic activity her heart can sustain.  (Her surgeon warned us the day of her first heart surgery that she would not ever be able to be an Olympic level aerobic athlete).  That physical limitation is uncomfortable, and actually makes playing sports a challenge for her.  I suppose it would take the fun out of sports if you felt like you couldn't breathe well enough and your heart was pounding out of your chest.  (So far, she does not report pain, but a "strange" feeling).   

At the same time, we want her to be active and healthy.  It is my goal to introduce my kids to a variety of sports and activities, so that they can discover which ones they enjoy.  Being active is the best way to maintain fitness and health.  

As I watched Jersey #2 kick and stretch, and attempt the splits, it dawned on me that she might like gymnastics.  She also enjoys monkey bars.  She has an incredible amount of upper body strength, for a child who has had her chest muscle cut into twice.  When she started trying to do flips on the trampoline, I was certain that we needed to let her try gymnastics.

Jersey #2 LOVES gymnastics.  She takes 1 class a week, but wishes she could be at the gym every day.  She is such a determined child that she makes great improvements in her abilities each week.  She is still quite nervous about flipping over on the bars.  At first, she was a bit nervous about the balance beam too.  The beam height fear is fading quickly, as she gains confidence her own strength and balance.

Right now, she is enjoying a basic introductory gymnastics class.  As she progresses in that, we will consider a competitive class.  It looks like gymnastics might be a good fit for her.

Watching Jersey #2 in gymnastics class has inspired some younger siblings to attempt those cool tricks too...