Ways That Gymnastics Classes Can Help A Child's Fear Of Heights
A lot of children have a fear of heights. As a parent, you may not want your child to suffer from any fear that limits them. If you want to help your child work through their fear of heights, enrolling them in gymnastics classes may be an idea to explore. Participating in this athletic pursuit will benefit your child in a number of ways, including helping them strengthen their body, have fun, and even improve their self-confidence. Regardless of the severity of their fear of heights, they'll likely find that this fear isn't as strong after several classes. Here are some ways that this activity can help a child's fear of heights.
Exposure To Elevated Activities
While there are lots of gymnastics exercises that take place on the mat, there are others that occur several feet above the mat. Sometimes, children have a fear of heights because they simply haven't had much exposure to being off the ground. In their gymnastics classes, kids will get a chance to explore elevated activities such as the parallel bars, rings, balance beam, and more. The fun that they have while learning how to perform exercises on these elevated elements may teach your child that they don't need to be afraid when they're off the ground.
Help From Instructors
Children in gymnastics classes aren't just introduced to a variety of elevated exercises that they can explore on their own. They'll do so with the help and support of instructors. Not only will the instructors explain how to perform these exercises safely, but they'll also provide physical support. For example, when your child is on the balance beam, an instructor may stand beside the child and physically hold their torso. This type of experience can be valuable for getting over a fear of heights.
Opportunity To Safely Fall
While some children who have a fear of heights might have previously experienced falling off something high, others may be afraid despite not ever falling from an elevated height. In gymnastics classes, kids will have an opportunity to fall — albeit in a safe manner. They'll often get a chance to jump into foam pits and onto thick pads. This experience can help them to face their fear of falling. While your child's fear of heights may not disappear immediately, you shouldn't be surprised to learn that it's not a major concern after your child has pursued gymnastics for a period of time.
Check out local gymnastics classes to learn more.