Why would I enroll my 3.5-year-old daughter in an advanced gymnastics class when everything I believe—and most experts agree—says that activities at this age should focus on fun and exploration? Today I’m sharing the story behind this decision and why I chose to go against the grain.
This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t about pushing my child to perform or excel. Instead, it was about following her lead, honoring her natural abilities, and recognizing when she was truly ready for a new challenge. Parenting sensitive kids often means rethinking the “rules” and trusting your gut, even when it feels unconventional.
And here’s the thing: While I still believe in fun, explorative play for young children, there are exceptions where a more structured path can be the right choice. It’s all about balancing their enthusiasm with the right support to help them thrive, even when it’s outside the usual mold!
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
View all episodes
By Dr. Hilary Mandzik - Psychologist
4.9
6060 ratings
Why would I enroll my 3.5-year-old daughter in an advanced gymnastics class when everything I believe—and most experts agree—says that activities at this age should focus on fun and exploration? Today I’m sharing the story behind this decision and why I chose to go against the grain.
This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t about pushing my child to perform or excel. Instead, it was about following her lead, honoring her natural abilities, and recognizing when she was truly ready for a new challenge. Parenting sensitive kids often means rethinking the “rules” and trusting your gut, even when it feels unconventional.
And here’s the thing: While I still believe in fun, explorative play for young children, there are exceptions where a more structured path can be the right choice. It’s all about balancing their enthusiasm with the right support to help them thrive, even when it’s outside the usual mold!
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
1,334 Listeners
3,663 Listeners
3,358 Listeners
6,611 Listeners
1,456 Listeners
326 Listeners
998 Listeners
2,121 Listeners
1,891 Listeners
4,535 Listeners
41,471 Listeners
161 Listeners
20,362 Listeners
93 Listeners
319 Listeners