Organizing Gymnastics Parties for Kids
Hi,
Children who are enrolled in school-based or community kids gymnastics classes often develop a close camaraderie with other team members. They enjoy learning together, supporting one another, and competing with a sense of mutual support that brings everyone together. Many friendships that begin in kids gymnastics class can last all the way through school and beyond. Tumbling and gymnastics groups are good for kids in many ways, which is why some parents choose to nurture the team relationship beyond the gym by hosting gymnastics parties for kids.
A gymnastic party can be arranged in several ways. One way to handle it is to seek permission from the coach to use the gym or workout center for a party of perhaps two hours’ duration. If the class takes place in a school or preschool facility, permission must be obtained from the principal and perhaps even the district supervisor. Some buildings or systems have liability issues that prevent them from making school equipment available to the general public for private use. Others may require that a certified gymnastics instructor is present to ensure everyone’s safety while the equipment is in use, but the fact is, children should not be using the gymnastics equipment unless a suitably qualified adult is in attendance.
Community facilities likewise may be available for rental. You might want to check with local preschools, health clubs, spas, and neighborhood gyms to see if these facilities could be rented for a kids’ party. Another option is to borrow or rent gymnastics equipment for home parties. Again, though, you will want to have a trained expert on hand to make sure the equipment is used properly to avoid breakage, and that the kids know how to use it without hurting themselves or others. You may want to hire another gymnastics instructor if your child’s coach is unavailable for the event, it is less expensive than you might think.
When you arrange a gymnastics party for children, you will need to ensure that kids wear correct clothing for tumbling moves. You also will have to supervise their use of the equipment to make sure that everyone takes turns and knows how to use each item. Check ahead of time to find out which equipment the kids are familiar with instead of assuming they have mastered everything in the gym. Some items are age-appropriate, as well.
If you plan to let kids perform moves more advanced than simple cartwheels and gymnastics splits, or use equipment that requires training, it is a good idea to get signed permission slips from the parents. While everything should be safe, you don’t want a child to become injured and hear the parent say, “You should have told me there would be gym equipment at the party”, but hopefully there will be nothing more serious than a few gymnastics bloopers which everyone will enjoy (except maybe the performer).
Also plan to keep an eye on activities, along with the coach or instructor. Two pair of eyes is better than one, and after all, you will be the responsible host for the party, where many of the children will be attempting to 'one-up' each other. If you feel uncomfortable with any of the children’s use of the equipment, adopt an upbeat tone and guide the child to another activity. If all else fails, you can make the equipment off-limits by covering it if the kids aren’t using it as they should.
A kid’s gymnastics party can be loads of fun for everyone. Since many children love physical activity, they are sure to enjoy practicing their moves at your event, even have some gymnastics floor music in the background to truly create the mood. With the proper precautions, supervision, and preparations, everyone will have a blast!
Until next time, remember, be the best gymnastics parent you can be, your child deserves nothing less.
Thanks,
Murray
