He Just Makes Me Scared

Dear Cassie,

I have gymnastics for my next sport. I can't really do back-flips and a few others. Also, if I tell the sport teacher that I can't do it, he forces and he'll flip you right away (if you're doing flips). He just makes me scared. What should I do?

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

The main question you have to ask yourself is: Is he being a dangerous teacher, or are you being a little too frightened? Whatever the case, let’s give you some positive things to do to improve the situation. For starters, try to relax. People who are afraid of doing some physical moves have a tendency to tense up, and are more likely to get hurt! You’re the only one who can help yourself to relax, so try to work on that. What might also help, is having a talk on your own with your teacher, and let them explain to you why this is perfectly safe. You can also ask someone higher up at the school to come to class and observe the way it’s being taught. It could be that your teacher is keeping you perfectly safe and you just don’t trust him…and it could also be that he is being dangerous. Best to have another pair of responsible grown-up eyes on the situation to know for sure! I had to learn a lot of really scary flips and tricks for “Bring It On”, but after I got over the first fear, it became really fun! Just make sure you really are safe!