Young Children and Sports
I am happy to see the latest discussion about Sports starting WAY TOO YOUNG!!! My husband and I have been putting this off (covering our boys eyes when we pass the soccer field -just joking!) But honestly, with two boys we are very reluctant to give up our family time and evening meals to sports practice. We enjoy walking, riding bikes, climbing trees, playing at the park, etc. This summer, I've noticed while hanging out with other children in our neighborhood that my boys are super coordinated - able to negotiate mountain trails, streams, trees, have super strong upper body skills and stamina. I know it's not appropriate to compare but they are certainly keeping up if not surpassing all the children who have been participating in T-Ball, Soccer and Karate since age 3. I think we'll put off organized sports until atleast 3rd grade - or maybe even middle school if we can hold back the tide!!!!!!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rae Pica on -
Right on, Carol! I congratulate you and your husband for your wisdom!
And you're most likely correct that your boys' physical skills may be surpassing those of children enrolled in organized sports. What most parents don't realize is that, in many organized programs, skills are not taught! Rather, the children are simply expected to jump right in and play the game. And if they develop any coordination or strength as a result of playing, it's limited to whatever strength and coordination that sport demands. By walking, riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing in the park, your boys are are going to possess a more well-rounded set of skills and strengths!
Holding off until 3rd grade would be great. Most experts recommend that children not participate in organized sports until at least age 8 -- and I definitely concur.
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Permalink Reply by Penny Arcos on -
I agree that children need more time to just be. My son and I spent the whole summer just be-ing. In first grade, the teacher always said he was unable to focus. Now, in second grade, after a summer of swimming in kiddie pools and bike riding around the lake and walking to neighborhood parks with playground equipment, my son's teacher says he is focusing very well and on task most of the time. Organized sports are way too stressful, except swim lessons on Saturday morning.That is the highlight of his week, especially now that he can swim across the lane without a noodle, and he gets to play with rubber toys and dip his feet in the hot tub after class is over.
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Permalink Reply by Penny Arcos on
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I experienced this when my son wanted to sign up for a basketball clinic. The little skill lessons were nice, but not enough to actually master the skill.My son was more interested in throwing balls at other kids than failing to make a basket on his turn. Then, after a few classes, all the kids of all skill levels were thrown into a game. My son spent the whole time begging the coach to get the ball to him so he could dribble it. Too much! He has more fun playing with the basketballs in the sporting goods section at Target.
Rae Pica said:Right on, Carol! I congratulate you and your husband for your wisdom!
And you're most likely correct that your boys' physical skills may be surpassing those of children enrolled in organized sports. What most parents don't realize is that, in many organized programs, skills are not taught! Rather, the children are simply expected to jump right in and play the game. And if they develop any coordination or strength as a result of playing, it's limited to whatever strength and coordination that sport demands. By walking, riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing in the park, your boys are are going to possess a more well-rounded set of skills and strengths!
Holding off until 3rd grade would be great. Most experts recommend that children not participate in organized sports until at least age 8 -- and I definitely concur.
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Permalink Reply by Rae Pica on
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Great "success" story! I hope other parents will follow your lead and let their children spend more time just "be-ing."
Penny Arcos said:I agree that children need more time to just be. My son and I spent the whole summer just be-ing. In first grade, the teacher always said he was unable to focus. Now, in second grade, after a summer of swimming in kiddie pools and bike riding around the lake and walking to neighborhood parks with playground equipment, my son's teacher says he is focusing very well and on task most of the time. Organized sports are way too stressful, except swim lessons on Saturday morning.That is the highlight of his week, especially now that he can swim across the lane without a noodle, and he gets to play with rubber toys and dip his feet in the hot tub after class is over.
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