Sport Activity

Hi M. J,

I have found that sports at the beginning tend to be great and are a wonderful way for kids to learn about working together. However, when things get more advanced, it seems to be a lot more work and commitment on the child and parents' part. I knew of one mother who had her daugther in dance. She enjoyed it thoroughly but when she got good enough to join the competitive dance team, the teacher went from nice to drill sargeant! I also know some parents who cart their two kids to soccer practice several time each week (plus two games on the weekend) since both their children are giften players. I don't think the kids mind so much since they do love to play, but I often wonder how they have time to fit in homework, family time, and just time to veg out after a full day of school.

My personal opinion is that if the child enjoys it, there really isn't any reason to not offer them the opportunity to play. I think parents have conflict when their children may be sports gifted but not interested in playing a team sport. Unfortunately, sometimes, it's a grab bag as to which coach and parents are on the same team as the child. Sometimes, the parents are the ones that need a referee.

L.

I think it depends on if they want to do it.

I agree with the other moms that sports can be a great activity; they teach sportsmanship, teamwork and are good exercise. My kids usually participated in the "recreational" leagues -- soccer sponsored by the city, basketball sponsored by the YMCA or Kiwanis Club; softball/baseball sponsored by a local non-profit, gymnastics in a gym who had both recreation and competition teams. They didn't want the pressure and intensity often associated with the "competitive" leagues; and I was happy with only one practice and one game a week for 10 weeks and then over and done until the next season!!!! The rec leagues are also a good way to introduce them to a sport, learn it and try it out for a season, then let them decide what sport(s) and at what competition level they are comfortable with. Unfortunately, it often is the parent pushing and putting pressure on the child and I always hated that. I tried to encourage and support without pushing (I also spent a lot of time driving them to practices and games --lol).

I think it depends on the individual child AND on the coaching style of the instructor. The same situation can be amazing for one child and terrible for another.

My kids always loved soccer play offs and the allstar games. They didn't get all nervous the way I did. They only play one sport at a time. I don't think it's bad for them at all, unless the child is very sensitive to pressure. Most kids can handle it.

knowing how to cheer for a team and be a part of a team is huge. the competive attitude is all on how the parents encourage , i don't think the kids learn that right away unless there is preasure. just have fun and enjoy the game.................. win or loose

If your child wants to do it and is having fun then I say let them. Once it no longer becomes fun or your child does not want to do it anymore than stop. It should be all about the fun.

Depends on a lot of variables....your attitude towards the sport and your attitude towards your kids "performance", the coach, the other kids, the other parents, the sport itself, etc.
Personally, my husband has tried to coach our kids' teams as much as possible, especially when they are little, because there are too many coaches who take things way too seriously and treat kids in a way we don't want our kids to be treated.
He does not coach with a "win at all costs" mentality, he teaches the kids good sportsmanship, how to become better players, and wants them most of all to have fun and enjoy the games.
My kid's teams have won a few championships and I know my kids get nervous in those more high pressure situations, but I always make sure they are enjoying the sport. I always tell them if they are no longer enjoying it, they do not have to play the next year. Last year my husband was only coaching our younger child and my oldest child had a lousy experience in baseball, loudmouth obnoxious coach, negative teammates, etc., and he realized he just didn't want to play baseball at that level anymore, even though he loves the sport. It just wasn't worth it to him to deal with all the egos and negativity. So he is switching to recreational ice hockey and loves it.
Anyway, when we see things we don't like or agree with from other teams, parents, coaches, etc., it gives us a chance for family discussion in the car as to how we would like to carry ourselves and have our children carry ourselves on the field. We certainly aren't perfect, there are times I remind myself to "zip it" if I'm getting little too loud on the sidelines :)
So I guess you just have to take it each year, each sport, and each kid at a time, and if possible, you or your husband coach if you aren't comfortable with them getting a coach that might ruin their love of the sport. The coach can really set the whole tone for the team by keeping the kids and the parents in check.