- Nov 22, 2015
- 28
- 26
Hello,
I really would like to switch to allstar cheer from gymnastics. My mom I don't think will be very keen on the idea mostly because she doesn't really understand it. I was hoping someone in the cheer world like a parent or coach could maybe help me change her mind with some reasoning that would appeal to a parent because I don't have that perspective.
First off this is how I feel. I've been doing gymnastics I think since around 4th grade and I'm in 10th now. I've also only been competing for two years though. I'm not very good at bars or beam and I currently have a mental block on vault. I'm currently at about level 3/10 on almost all events. i probably won't get past level 5 ever. The only event I like is floor. Floor is also my best event, the only event I got to compete at invitational meets, and the only event that I have ever placed in. If I could only compete floor I would love it, but in gymnastics you have to compete all around unless at invitationals or qualifying meets. I also used to be on a dance show team. I feel like cheer brings together a lot of what I love, dance, tumbling ( floor), and of course stunting. I have done some stunting in a different sport that I don't feel comfortable sharing on a forum because it kind of reveals who I am. I haven't done necessarily the same kind but I loved working together with my teammates to get the one girl in the air.
I think my mom's main concerns would be in the cost, travel time, uniforms, and switching so late in my teenage life.
Gymnastics is surprisingly cheap here. I think all of our practice leos, competition leos, warmups, accessories, team spirit wear maybe come out to $300 at most. Tuition is also low. We also practice 6 days a week for 3 months and 2 days a week for 9 months ( 2 hours each day) so I don't know how that compares to cheer. The problem isn't necessarily the cost, it is something my family can afford for sure , but I think the comparative cost to gymnastics will seem ridiculous.
Then I also think the uniform may seem odd to my mom. I don't know how she would feel about an open stomach. I do wear leotards but I think a sports bra may seem much for her. Can people generally wear a shirt to say practice in and only wear a half top for comps?
Travel time also seems like it would be an issue. My school doesn't excuse absences for non-school sponsored event so it seems like I would need an exception or to lie, or to leave after school. I don't know how realistic this is because I don't know the exact details of how competitions work. I know some competitions require you to miss school, but how much?
Finally, the gym would be half an hour away and I would have to take the freeway. I can't drive yet, but I will be able to soon. I don't know how my mom will feel about it. Currently gymnastics is only 15-20 minutes away so that adds travel time. Ultimately though I think it would be worth it to be a part of something where I could be successful and enjoy it, instead of being miserable for 3/4 of my practice.
Basically how do I present this information to my mom in a way where it would seem positive? I certainly think it would make me happier and we could make it work. I'm willing to get a job to help pay and such. I just feel like because she knows nothing about cheer she will think it is a ridiculous idea without considering it because it is so different from what we're used to.
If anyone has any ideas or insight on what may convince my mom please let me know. What made you let your daughter cheer? Do you think it is worth it?
I really would like to switch to allstar cheer from gymnastics. My mom I don't think will be very keen on the idea mostly because she doesn't really understand it. I was hoping someone in the cheer world like a parent or coach could maybe help me change her mind with some reasoning that would appeal to a parent because I don't have that perspective.
First off this is how I feel. I've been doing gymnastics I think since around 4th grade and I'm in 10th now. I've also only been competing for two years though. I'm not very good at bars or beam and I currently have a mental block on vault. I'm currently at about level 3/10 on almost all events. i probably won't get past level 5 ever. The only event I like is floor. Floor is also my best event, the only event I got to compete at invitational meets, and the only event that I have ever placed in. If I could only compete floor I would love it, but in gymnastics you have to compete all around unless at invitationals or qualifying meets. I also used to be on a dance show team. I feel like cheer brings together a lot of what I love, dance, tumbling ( floor), and of course stunting. I have done some stunting in a different sport that I don't feel comfortable sharing on a forum because it kind of reveals who I am. I haven't done necessarily the same kind but I loved working together with my teammates to get the one girl in the air.
I think my mom's main concerns would be in the cost, travel time, uniforms, and switching so late in my teenage life.
Gymnastics is surprisingly cheap here. I think all of our practice leos, competition leos, warmups, accessories, team spirit wear maybe come out to $300 at most. Tuition is also low. We also practice 6 days a week for 3 months and 2 days a week for 9 months ( 2 hours each day) so I don't know how that compares to cheer. The problem isn't necessarily the cost, it is something my family can afford for sure , but I think the comparative cost to gymnastics will seem ridiculous.
Then I also think the uniform may seem odd to my mom. I don't know how she would feel about an open stomach. I do wear leotards but I think a sports bra may seem much for her. Can people generally wear a shirt to say practice in and only wear a half top for comps?
Travel time also seems like it would be an issue. My school doesn't excuse absences for non-school sponsored event so it seems like I would need an exception or to lie, or to leave after school. I don't know how realistic this is because I don't know the exact details of how competitions work. I know some competitions require you to miss school, but how much?
Finally, the gym would be half an hour away and I would have to take the freeway. I can't drive yet, but I will be able to soon. I don't know how my mom will feel about it. Currently gymnastics is only 15-20 minutes away so that adds travel time. Ultimately though I think it would be worth it to be a part of something where I could be successful and enjoy it, instead of being miserable for 3/4 of my practice.
Basically how do I present this information to my mom in a way where it would seem positive? I certainly think it would make me happier and we could make it work. I'm willing to get a job to help pay and such. I just feel like because she knows nothing about cheer she will think it is a ridiculous idea without considering it because it is so different from what we're used to.
If anyone has any ideas or insight on what may convince my mom please let me know. What made you let your daughter cheer? Do you think it is worth it?