Watching your child jump into cheerleading or tumbling is exciting — but it can also come with a lot of questions. How involved should you be? What kind of support actually helps? And how do you balance encouragement without adding pressure?
At Premier Academy, we know that parents play a huge role in a young athlete’s confidence and success. Whether your child is just starting or already on a competitive team, your support makes all the difference.
Here’s a simple, real-life guide to being the kind of cheer parent that helps your child grow, thrive, and love every moment in the gym.
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1. Show Up (When You Can)
You don’t need to be at every class or competition — but being present matters.
• Watch their performances.
• Ask about what they’re learning.
• Celebrate their progress, big or small.
Even asking, “What skill are you working on this week?” shows them that you care. Kids remember who cheered them on, and your presence — even occasionally — boosts their motivation.
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2. Focus on Effort, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in clean routines, perfect landings, and scores — but what really builds confidence is praise for effort. Try saying things like:
• “I can see how hard you’ve been working.”
• “You didn’t give up, even when it got tough.”
• “You’re getting stronger every week.”
This mindset helps your child value the process, not just the outcome — something that carries into school, sports, and life.
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3. Help Build Healthy Routines
Cheer and tumbling take energy, focus, and consistency. You can help by:
• Encouraging balanced meals and plenty of rest.
• Helping them stick to practice schedules.
• Supporting recovery with stretching and downtime.
Kids perform better and enjoy their training more when they feel balanced and supported at home.
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4. Let the Coaches Coach
It can be tempting to give pointers or corrections — especially if you’ve done cheer or gymnastics before — but trust your child’s coaches. They’re trained to teach skills safely and in the right order.
• Encourage your child to ask questions during class.
• Talk to the coach directly if you have concerns.
• Cheer from the stands, not the mat.
At , our coaches love when parents are positive partners — it helps every athlete stay confident and focused.
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5. Support Their Mental Game Too
Cheer and tumbling can be as mentally demanding as they are physical. There will be nerves, plateaus, and frustrations — and that’s part of growth.
Let your child know it’s okay to:
• Struggle with a new skill.
• Feel nervous before performing.
• Take breaks to rest and reset.
Offer encouragement like, “It’s okay to feel frustrated — you’ve done hard things before, and you’ll get this too.” A calm, supportive voice can make all the difference.
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6. Respect Their Pace
Every athlete progresses differently. Some learn quickly, others take time — both are completely okay.
• Let them set their own goals.
• Celebrate milestones at their pace.
• Avoid comparing them to teammates or siblings.
Encourage your child to enjoy their own journey, and they’ll stay passionate and confident for years to come.
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7. Be Their Safe Place
At the end of the day, your child doesn’t need you to be their coach — they need you to be their biggest supporter.
• Celebrate the wins.
• Be gentle after tough days.
• Remind them that who they are matters more than what they do on the mat.
Your support gives them the confidence to take risks, try again, and shine brighter — both in and out of the gym.
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Final Thoughts
Your encouragement can make a lasting impact on your child’s cheer and tumbling experience. You don’t have to be perfect — just present, patient, and positive.
At Premier Academy, we’re proud to partner with parents who want the best for their athletes — helping kids build strength, confidence, and a lifelong love for movement.
👉 Learn more or register for classes today at https://premieracademy.ca/.
