Getting Back Up
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By Mary Ellen Hardies
“I get knocked down, but I get up again, cause they’re never gonna keep me down.” Who would have thought that a near one hit wonder like “Chumbawamba” could hold such words of wisdom for a six-year-old cheerleader?
Chloe was chosen to be on the top of the pyramid for a big competition. It’s the coveted “flyer” spot and anyone who has ever cheered, been to a cheer competition or watched the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders reality show knows the prestige that goes with being the “flyer”. Chloe worked hard to get to the top of that pyramid.
In what I’m told was an otherwise good routine, Chloe fell during a lift. She’s an incredibly sensitive child with a fierce competitive streak. It’s a combination that allows her to console those who do not win, but give her a little fire in her belly to win. When I heard she fell, I thought, this could go one of two ways…she might cry or she might steal the show. Thankfully the latter happened.
Chloe dusted off the gymnast chalk, stood up and caught up to the routine. The team didn’t win that day or the week after, but a couple weeks after that they did bring home a third place trophy at a national competition.
My little niece also brought home some good lessons in finishing what you start, having poise when all you really want to do is cry and how to get back up after you fall.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember those lessons; thankfully we have amazing little nieces to remind us.
If you have a little one having trouble coping with frustration or even failure, here are a few articles that might help guide your conversations.
http://www.advantage4parents.com/article/20-questions-to-help-your-child-overcome-adversity/
http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/video/teaching-children-how-overcome-adversity
Photo: Courtesy of Mary Ellen Hardies
Published: April 16, 2014