Four years ago we had Katherine evaluated for a “lazy-eye” (strabismus) by the undisputed best pediatric ophthalmologist in the area. He recommended surgery on both eyes.  This surgery would not really correct the function of the eyes just the appearance.  We decided to get a second opinion from a doctor who was basically advocating “physical therapy” for the eyes.  The ophthalmologist didn’t think it would work, but he said we had time to try it.  The new doctor (I think she was a pediatric optometrist) said Katherine was not quite ready to begin formal therapy, but to put her in something that moved a lot like dance or gymnastics.  Something that had her moving and spinning a lot would help the eyes to start working together better. We were already in dance,but had not seen any results, so we tried gymnastics.  In three months her eyes were much better. After a year, her eyes only “wandered” when she got tired. Four years later, they look and function normally.  We never went back for therapy.

Two years ago we got a second reason to love gymnastics.   Katherine was diagnosed with a hearing disorder (Central Auditory Processing Disorder, CAPD). The audiologist thought that gymnastics had helped a great deal (by forcing both halves of the brain to work together) and recommended keeping her in it.

We have seen other benefits from gymnastics as well.  Katherine has learned discipline.  She is very strong and flexible, and it has challenged her to push beyond what she thinks she can do. She has been invited to the team (I’m not sure if we will accept).  We aren’t looking to make Olympic athletes.  However, she really enjoys the class.  Sarah has her own gymnastics class as well, and Elizabeth is looking forward to the day that I let her “go to class” .