How Gymnastics Builds Self-esteem in Children

by Jeff Lulla, President of Fun & Fit Gymnastics

---

Gymnastics instructors have a tremendous influence on young children in their care. While some children feel comfortable from the start, many others enter their first gymnastics class questioning their abilities to succeed, or even be safe in this strange place called the "gym". How can we as parents and instructors teach these children is at least as important as what we teach. We are more than educators. We are more than role models. We are like artists working with clay - molding something beautiful and fragile. Great care must be taken to assure that fear, difficulties and failures are dealt with positively and constructively.

We recognize that childhood experiences that encourage and nurture thinking, self-trust and autonomy are to be valued. As teachers we can help to foster success by challenging children within their ability to succeed. And , since it is the nature of competition to produce more losers than winners, the teaching environment should be noncompetitive. In place of competition, a culture of cooperation and reward for self-improvement is fostered. Everyone can win only when winning is defined as "your personal best" instead of "being better than everyone else".

This definition of winning puts each child in full control
of the outcome of their efforts - an important component of self-esteem.

Breaking gymnastics skills down into achievable steps is the basis of a sound curriculum program. These steps, or lead-ups, can also be considered skills within themselves. And it is the accomplishment of these lead-ups that help children to experience success and often.

The Fun and Fit Gymnastics Program is a success focused teaching system. As Children become stronger, more flexible and more fit their performance in all sports improves and they are less susceptible to injury. The feelings of accomplishment children experience from improved performance often carries over to other areas of their lives. As they expect success from themselves they work harder and with greater intent towards accomplishing their goals.With greater self-esteem they are more likely to perceive taking risks and facing new challenges as exciting instead of scary.