Flying Dutchman Gymnastics

It is possible to achieve high-level gymnastics without completely sacrificing health. Yes, injuries and mental challenges are part of the sport. At the highest... levels, those things are pushed even more. But this idea that you either reach your high-level goals or can be happy/mentally & physically well, is nonsense. There are amazing coaches all around the world who maintain and achieve success at the highest levels with their athletes and still keep mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing a priority. They are able to understand and see problems when they start and deal with them head-on. They are also open to working with a team of professionals to best help the athletes succeed, dissolving their ego in the matter. I'm not saying it's easy, because it's not. But it is possible, and it is worth it.

Why we teach tuck rolls for abdominal engagement

Because we should never have to ask twice for space for our bodies....

Did you know that a 3-year old (top left image) and a 6-year old (top right image) have significantly different skeletal structure in their hands?! Notice the b...ones in the wrist of the 3-year old -- many of them are still mostly cartilage! Look at all the spaces in between the bones where muscles and tendons will change through the years. Even the difference between a 6-year old and a 14-year old (lower right) is huge! Preschoolers have SO much development to do before they can write the way school-aged children or adults can! Please do NOT stress if your preschooler does not want to write or draw. Some love it and some don't. While they are growing, strengthen those little bones and muscles! Here are some great pre-writing, muscle-strengthening activities: * painting, drawing, coloring * playdough * tearing and cutting * gluing * poking holes in things (try toothpicks and paper!) * digging in dirt * building with LEGOS, marble runs, or other blocks * beading (try beads, cut straws, or even bobbins!) * puzzles * squeezing (try stress balls, squeezing water in a sponge, or using a pipette) * picking up and throwing balls (use different sizes!) * playing with toys (watch what their little fingers do when they pick up and move little cars, marbles, action figures, etc!) . These all strengthen and help develop little hands, muscles, and bones. When they are physically ready to write, it will be so much easier than if they were pushed when they didn't want to and weren't ready! <3