Parents your child may show interest in several different sports or hobbies. But when do you know it’s time to commit your time, effort and money into just one? 7’s Lynn Martinez shows us in today’s Parent to Parent.
WSVN — From the moment Kaitlyn Rodriguez started walking she’s kept her family on the run!
Anggie Ng: “We went from ballet and tap to hip hop, break dancing, more ballet, salsa, merengue.”
When she started gymnastics, Kaitlyn went from one day a week to five.
Anggie Ng: “She was told, you should train with us, come compete, so we did.”
Now the 9-year-old competes every other weekend. Her mom admits it’s a huge commitment for the family.
Anggie Ng: “I pick her up about 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., bring her here; she practices and then we don’t end the day until 8:45 p.m., almost 9 p.m. Between my husband and I, we really don’t have a life.”
So how do parents know when to make that leap and go all in on their child’s hobby or sport?
Michael Zoldan is the owner of TAG USA Gynmastics in Weston. He opened the facility when his daughter took an interest in trampoline.
Michael Zoldan: “She was our first national champion….”
Michael says the first step is to observe what your child likes to do.
Michael Zoldan: “The parents will say my child is always tumbling or climbing or doing something that seems to fit with gymnastics, so the natural first step is come out and try a class.”
Then see if they really show passion for the activity.
Michael Zoldan: “Then you know you’re on the right path.”
Michael says you shouldn’t have to push your child to practice or go to class.
Michael Zoldan: “If you have to force them to come to a sport, something is off there.”
Kaitlyn’s mom asked her to rate all of her activities to see, which one she truly loved the most.
Anggie Ng: “Rock climbing would be an eight and gymnastics a nine, so you see this is how I gauge where I should go with her.”
When she decided to commit to her daughter’s stringent schedule, she made sure to do it with a positive attitude.
Anggie Ng: “Very flexible, very adaptive, go with the flow, don’t complain.”
Kaitlyn has already met some Olympic stars and hopes to follow in their footsteps. She plans to continue to work hard and reach for the stars to achieve her dreams.
Kaitlyn Rodriguez: “You have to actually be serious and follow the instructions and get better and better.”
Michael says no matter what your child’s interest is, always show them support and tell them they’re doing a great job.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.taggymnastics.com