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How hard would you push...

lizloo85lizloo85
in School-Aged Children

DD started cheering this year (6 1st grade). She is on a very small team, 6 girls total. 3 of the girls are pros, have done it 2 years now, and are very good. The other 2 girls are new also and on an equal scale of my DD.

 My issue is DD seems not to try as hard as the other girls. When the coach is telling everyone to get in line and practice cheers, sometimes she flails her arms to the ground, and is kind of all over the place w/ her body. She will practice correctly too, just seems to me like she is horseplaying though. The other girls do not do this. They seem to stand in their proper place the whole time and try. 

So...... I'm not trying to be some pushy parent, but I do want to push her to do her best. Did I totally contradict myself there or do you know what I'm talking about? We paid $$$ for her to do this and honestly, if she keeps acting like this it will not be repeated next year.

Am I asking too much for a 6 year old? FWIW she has LOTS of energy, and does well in a structured environment which is why I thought this would be a good outlet for her. When the coach says to be louder, I will say, is where my DD shines!!! :)  

 

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Re: How hard would you push...

  • L DL D

    I could have written this post.  My girls were so excited to cheer.  Begged to do it.  At practice yesterday it was HOT.  They do not do well in the heat.  They wouldnt practice at all for the first 15mins.  They sat in the grass.  I made them get up and stand in line & they eventually started doing some cheers.  This is their first year and there are 24 on the mascot squad.  They cheer with the 6&7th grade girls so they can watch them do the cheers and learn them.  They only cheer at 6 games. 

    I think mine will do better once they learn the cheers and it cools down.  We missed 3 practices because we were out of town.  :(  But there are others who dont know the cheers as well.  Some of the girls are really good but have an older sister who helps them since they know all of the cheers.  I have tried to record the cheers so I can learn them & help the girls practice here at home some.  

    This is their 1st year so Im trying to be lenient.  

    1st Day of Kindergarten & 1st Grade 08.29.11
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    Landon * Kaydance * Kennedy
    5/13/05 ******5/24/06

    * Baby is due July 24 2012 * Lilypie Maternity tickers
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  • Erina1004Erina1004
    Push, but gently!  Obviously it's supposed to be a fun activity so you don't want her to be miserable.  Maybe try telling her that when she doesn't pay attention or follow her coaches she is hurting the other girls as well.  Make it about teamwork. 
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  • lizloo85lizloo85

    Phew, glad It's not just her! And it is hot!

    They are doing spirit sticks starting next week: the girl that shows the most heart at practice earns it. If all girls earn one they get a pizza party. She is very excited about this...  I'll just keep reminding her of this when she starts getting lazy.

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  • lindsaylimabeanlindsaylimabean
    The first thing I would do is ask her if she wants to be doing cheering.  Maybe now that she's into it, it's not what she thought it would be, or maybe didn't want to do it.  If you do feel that she needs pushing, just like everything else, be gentle with it and don't make her feel pressured.  Think of it like constructive criticism- give her the encouragement she needs with the advice to help her out.
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