Category: parents

first male victim to join lawsuits against Nassar

Jacob Moore, who competes for University of Michigan, is joining federal civil suits against Nassar, Michigan State and USA Gymnastics.

how to warn kids about sexual predators

A good word to mention is creepy.

If something seems creepy to you, that’s a red flag. Tell your parents.

If a spotter makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them not to spot you. Do progressions and conditioning instead.

… “One of the biggest misconceptions is that these conversations are too advanced or harmful for children to hear about,” Ms. Palumbo said.

“In reality, the more information that we can give children from an early age about understanding your bodies and your boundaries and what types of touch are appropriate — not only does it give your child that information, it also lets them know that these are safe topics to talk to you about.”

NYT – The Nassar Case Presents Difficult Parenting Questions

ADHD medication and Gymnastics

Recall that Russian hackers first revealed that Simone had been on ADHD medication since childhood. Ritalin.

Read a discussion on Chalk Bucket:

Questions for parents of kids with ADHD

how much sleep does a gymnast need?

It’s not easy for gymnasts to get enough sleep.

Here are the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatricians and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:

  • Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
  • Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

The key here is regular sleep to promote optimal health of your gymnast. Good sleep should be every night and not just on weekends. …

Dr. Joshua Eldridge

Brent Klaus on USA Gymnastics

Brent and his family run International Gymnastics Camp, a sponsor of this site.

At the 2017 USA Gymnastics Congress IGC set up this display.

Now in February 2018, Brent talks about the reaction their display got last August. Particularly comments from USAG staff and Board members.

USA Gymnastics Predicament

Thanks Amanda.

Aly Raisman nude for ‘SI’ swimsuit issue

… For the shoot, the women pose completely naked, with empowering messages written across their bodies. The idea of the shoot is to prove that women are free to speak about who they truly are and want to be. …

Aly Raisman Writes ‘Survivor’ Across Her Chest for In Her Own Words

More photos.

Aly is now in Australia, speaking on the issue of sexual abuse. She’s really been our most effective advocate.

transparency at Gym Clubs

Recall the BAD OLD DAYS when parents were not allowed to watch training?

Those are gone forever.

Swing open the front door beneath the tin roof at Achieve Gymnastics, and the first thing you see are rows of chairs in front of a glass wall.

The design is intentional.

Viewed through the glass is a large arena where the daughters of more than 800 families train and compete. At least two staff members must be on watch at all times. Security cameras blanket the facility. …

Every door, except for a restroom in use, is left open and unlocked. …

Why the need for so much transparency?

“We can’t afford not to,” said Alan Herron, Achieve’s operations manager. …

Athlete abuse: How local sports organizations are taking charge to protect kids

Inside the walls of Achieve Gymnastics, the staff works daily to bolster the morale of the young athletes.

At my home Gym for some years we had one way mirrors between the spectator areas and the Gym. That worked well. Parents could see in. Kids couldn’t see out.

These days you can put colourful graphics on the Gym side of the mirror.

Sarah Dvojack was angry with Nassar

So the children’s book author and illustrator drew  the survivors who spoke at the Ingham County, Michigan, hearing …

CNN

(via GymCastic)

Randall Margraves donates to Michigan groups

The father of three of Larry Nassar’s victims who tried to tackle the former USA Gymnastics doctor last week in court says he will donate more than $30,000 from an online fundraiser created in his name to Michigan groups that help survivors of sexual assault. …

… Margraves said in a statement Thursday he did not need the money and will instead donate the funds to “local charities like Small Talk, RAVE and the Firecracker Foundation.”

All three charities assist survivors of sexual assault …