by Betty Okino Benson (Author), Jacob Okino Benson (Editor), Valorie Kondos Field (Foreword)
I’ve not yet read the NEW book — but I’m certain it’s terrific.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster – The emotional highs and lows of gymnastics can be tough on both you and your child. One day they’re flying high, the next they’re down in the dumps. It’s a wild ride…that can be fun!
- The Time Commitment – Juggling gymnastics with school, other activities, and family time can be done but it takes a conscious effort so that hours in the gym don’t put a strain on family life.
- Safety Concerns & Injuries – Watching your child perform high-risk skills can be nerve-wracking. Ensuring they’re safe while encouraging their passion is a balancing act we can all perform.
- Communication with Coaches – Building a good relationship with coaches is crucial so that we can avoid as much misunderstanding as possible while working together as a team toward a common goal.
- Artistry and Performance – Helping your child shine artistically while meeting technical requirements is key. It’s all about finding that balance and there are ways to do it.
- Progressing Through Levels – Understanding the competitive gymnastics landscape, from scoring to expectations so that we can keep our child motivated and happy.
- Mental Health Considerations – The pressures of gymnastics, like anything else, can affect our child’s mental health. Proactively recognizing signs of burnout and stress is important for their well-being.

