Daniel has hypotonia. He underwent two years of physical and occupational therapy, and is now pretty much at peer level. His joints are hyperflexic and he has very fragile skin, he brusises easy and if he has a cut it heals slow and scars.
Now to my question. Our geneticist told us it was most likely a tissue disorder, though it would take a tissue biopsy to be certain and we didnt do that. No sense in giving him another scar, because its incurable and knowing exactly which type of genetic tissue disorder it is - it won't change the facts.
I figured on sports being out, because of the risk of injury. But, we're enrolling Emily and Abigail in gymnastics next year. This gym has a great reputation, is accredited (or whatever the designation is) by the US Gymnastics Assn. and is only one of two in Alabama that has an accredited program for boys. Their pupil/instructor ratio is low and from everyone I've been able to talk to about it - this is one of the best programs around.
Part of me thinks enrolling Daniel would be really good for him - give him a chance to participate in an activity that can help him build strength and confidence. The other part worries that his joints won't be able to bear up under the stress and he will get hurt too much.
When I asked the geneticist he said no contact sports. But, the pediatrician thinks that sports will be okay. Wes has the same tissue disorder, though to a lesser degree, and he played sports all through high school including football.
What do you think? Is gymnastics a really bad choice, because of the stressors to the joints that would come with tumbling? Or, will careful training in gymnastics actually help strengthen those joints?
Advice welcome. Posted by A Rat Named Dog (Member # 699) on :
Knowing absolutely nothing about parenting or medicine, I have some totally useless advice.
I think it's worth risking minor injuries to build strength and confidence. If he turns out to be dangerously accident-prone in the gym, then you can pull him out. But I personally have always regretted my sedentary childhood lifestyle, and wished I had built up more strength and athletic skill in my youth. In my opinion, this is a valuable opportunity that you shouldn't pass up.
But again, I know absolutely nothing Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
On the fly advice (more detailed later):
The most important means to protect joints is to improve strength and flexibility of the surrounding muscles. I'm pretty sure that a well-controlled exercise program would be right up his alley.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Belle, I have struggled with similar questions regarding Nathan because of his health concerns.
The place I finally had to come to was this - I want him to be able to participate in life as fully as possible, which means some risks. Getting to that place and following through are two different things though. It's so hard. You look at the child and see this precious gift that you have guarded and advocated for zealously. And fear wells up - will he be lost to us if I allow this?
If the benefits outweigh the risks, go for it. If they're equal, go for it. Absolutely do all that you can to prepare and let the instructor know. Even share with other parents or kids, if need be.
But one of the hardest things I have ever had to do was not et fear stand in the way of my son growing up. I guess it's the "letting go" lesson for moms and dads.
Big hugs! It's gonna be okay, Belle - maybe not easy or fun, but okay!
Do please feel free to remind me of this when I waver - Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thanks, guys. CT, if you can give a detailed answer later, that would be awesome, but if you're very busy don't put things aside to look up stuff for me.
Though, I selfishly admit your well-researched info is golden to me when I need advice.
I do not want to be the "over-protective" mom who hovers over him and doesn't let him do things. But, I also don't want to set him up for failure or injury. I realize that if he tries gymnastics for a few sessions and it's not for him, and I pull him out it won't ruin his life.
There are lots of other things he can succeed at, like music for example. But, he's a very active child, very physical, and he loves to emulate his sister when she's practicing her tumbling. That's why I thought about it.
Thanks for everyone's advice - keep it coming! I need all the help I can get!
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
quote: I think it's worth risking minor injuries to build strength and confidence. If he turns out to be dangerously accident-prone in the gym, then you can pull him out.
I agree with rat on this one. I was a bit puny in elementary school, and I still am by most standards. I wrestled for 4 years. Wrestling and Gymnastics are the two sports that in my opinion are most brutal to the body. My mom to this day thinks that letting me wrestle was a bad idea, in a lot of ways I have to agree. I now have pins in my elbow, wrist, 3 of my ribs, and my back. I have a crippled foot from a match that got a little out of hand (but I won). I also have a lot of trouble with my knees and will need knee replacement surgery before I’m 25.
I would do it all again. True I have sustained a lot of injuries, I have probably stunted my growth, but I also learned something that I never would have learned other wise, self. I learned that only I know my own limits. I learned that determination will get you anything. I learned that sacrifices now will gain rewards later (I cut down to 119 and took 5th at nationals in 2001). But most importantly of all I learned self respect. I know that your son may be more accident prone than I was, but medicine can cure almost anything, and your son will benefit from it, but he'll only benefit if he wants to do it, so I’m asking you to encourage your son to succeed in what ever sport he ends up in, and when he is down just tell him that it's all a state of mind, and if he thinks he can, then he can.
Posted by Dreamwalker (Member # 4189) on :
Let him do it Belle. Better he builds those muscles and joints now than you discover he is secretly playing football at lunchtime at highschool and overstressing them then. <aside> And maybe enrol him in ballet as well. Ballet is good for strengthing and helps with grace and cordination for gymnastics... although the ballet teacher will think the gymnastics ruin the ballet effect Posted by Chaz_King (Member # 3184) on :
Belle, I know gymnastics isn't a contact sport, but it is VERY rough on your joints.
If you really want him to try a sport safely, I would go for swimming. It is low impact, keeps you in great shape, and it never requires contact. It fits right in with summer comming up, and he can even do it in the winter with an indoor pool.
This is also an easy way to let him compete without worrying to much about his condition.
Just my 2 cents though =)
Edit: I was a swimmer when I was younger, and I had a six pack at the age of 14 so it helps the physical confidence also.
[ March 22, 2004, 11:15 PM: Message edited by: Chaz_King ]
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Belle, talk to the gymnastics school about what kind of class this is. Is it intended to be an intensive introduction to gymnastics, aimed at students who might seriously consider becoming competitive gymnasts? Or is it mainly for kids who want to have fun, exercises, and develop some strength and flexibility?
My girls attend a Sunday morning class at a gymnastics school (also accredited ) near their elementary school -- in fact, the class was arranged through their school. It is most definitely NOT for girls who are seriously thinking of competing. Sometimes some of the competitive gymnasts are there at the same time to practice, and the difference in the stress their little bodies are put through compared to the non-competitive girls is astounding. (Watching the competitive girls' moves is MORE astounding, though. Yowza!)
I could never see enrolling my kids in one of their more intensive classes, but the one they're in is absolutely wonderful -- this is my oldest's fifth year! So maybe talk to the gymnastics school about your concerns.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Rivka, for his age group it would only be recreational gymnastics. They have several different levels and class choices. My middle daughter (she's six) will be in the competitive track, working toward a possible berth on the competitive team one day, but she has already had training in tumbling before and has done really well, so I'm not worried about her.
But Daniel and Abigail, they're both 3, and they'd be in the recreational classes.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Ok, because at the school my kids attend, there are competitive-aimed classes even for the wee ones. It might be worth finding out a curriculum, if possible, so you have some idea of exactly what would be involved. And has the school ever had to deal with any kids with similar issues before? The one here has -- but I have no idea how common or unusual that is.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I know Daniel is way too young for this now, but you might want to consider weight training in the future. There's almost know risk of bruising or cuts and you can control the amount of stress you're putting on the joints.
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
My little brother went through childhood with severe hemophilia, which, as you can imagine, is pretty limiting when it comes to contact sports. He wasn't allowed to take the mandatory gym classes in junior high and high school.
Swimming and weight training would definitely help him develop strength with almost no stress on the joints.... My brother and I were both on the competetive kid's swim teams when we were younger. If your area has such a program, they can really be a lot of fun for kids. And man, can I swim. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
If it's like the program my boys were in, I'd say go for it. They took it really slow with the wee ones, and I imagine the same would be true for that school. He doesn't have to keep with it and be on competitive teams.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
How about martial arts?
I started when I was 5 or 6, and continued until I was 12 or 13 (where other sports took over my interest). It build strength, flexibility, stamina, and self-control. I know that at the age I was, we never did full contact sparring (which I enjoyed... It requires much more self-control to bring a punch within 3 inches of a person, without actually touching).
He may get the occassional bruise, but that's about it.
-Bok, 3rd degree brown belt in Ju-Jitsu/Kempo Karate emeritus
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Wouldn't punching through bricks involve at least some stress on the wrist joint?
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Not all karate requires that, freak
EDIT: I should add, the reason being, you can also use your head.
-Bok
[ March 23, 2004, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Toretha (Member # 2233) on :
if the class is basically for recreational purposes, not getting kids ready to compete, it probably would help him build up muscle. You might could talk to the teachers, to make sure they're extra careful spotting him and all. I took it, and I never once even twisted an ankle.
and something else for gymnastics-to stuff you learn for gymnastics helps prevent one from injuring oneself regularly-like learning how to fall so you don't hurt yourself, which might be a very good thing for him to know.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I'd say to try it, but I'd also consider swimming, too. Is there a YMCA in your area? They have great swimming programs for toddlers (one of their missions is to teach all children under 6 to swim).
You also might want to consider Yoga when he gets older. It's a great way to maintain flexibility without the high impact of tumbling.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I vote for swimming. I've known dozens of people with joint issues that have been able to swim with no problems whatsoever.
Of course the fact that I was on a swim team for nearly 10 years and my brothers are excellent swimmers and my father is now a swim coach has me a bit biased.
But it is really hard to hurt yourself swimming, especially at lower levels.
AJ
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Belle, swimming is an excellent option for all the reasons listed above. (Of course you would get excellent advice here, whadidya expect? )
I understand, though, that it may be important to Daniel to be with his sister. Whether or not it is something you want to steer him away from now or not is definitely a mom and dad decision, and I have much much more confidence in your ability to make that call than me.
Regarding keeping him in the class -- should that be what you choose -- I bet the most important factor would be good communication and a healthy relationship with his instructor. Could you maybe have his pediatrician write a note for the instructor to read? Often people who do this sort of work are so professional and involved that they will bend over backwards to help children. If not, you can always re-evaluate.
Good luck!
Posted by LadyDove (Member # 3000) on :
quote:Often people who do this sort of work are so professional and involved that they will bend over backwards to help children.
I have nothing to add to all this excellent advise except to say that I love this sentence in a thread about a gymnastics class. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
It's a gift.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I didn't even catch it LadyDove.
The nearest Y is quite a distance from us. There are no swimming clubs nearby.
There's one in the next city over but you must be a city resident to use the facilities. So, unless I join a healthclub I don't know how to get him consistent access to a pool.
Not that we don't give our kids chances to swim, but it's usually at friends' houses and at the lake.
The main reason I wanted to do the gymnastics is because Abigail will be there for one, and because he is so active now, and is always trying to emulate his sister and stand on his head or flip, I'm thinking he would be actually safer to get some instruction on how to do these things correctly, if he's going to be doing them anyway.
I have a message in to the owner of the gym, he's supposedly got 20 years experience as a gymnastics coach, so I will ask him if he's taught kids like Daniel before and let him know some of the issues. Also, there is a three week program in the summer, where they can go and try things out, I think I will enroll them in that, and we'll have a chance to evaluate without committing to a full year's instruction.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
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I didn't even catch it LadyDove.