Why Are Sports Good for Kids?

[PurpleHazey]

Playing youth sports has drastically changed in the last twenty years. When I was young, we played pickup games in my neighborhood. Basketball, wiffleball, and touch football - without the involvement and supervision of adults - were our games until dark. Presently, neighborhood, unstructured play has dropped off. Both parents work. Many of us worry, "Who will take care of our kids? Will they be abducted if we give them freedom to play?" Organized sports seem to assuage these concerns.

But, I am seeing increasing numbers of burnout and overuse injuries among our youth. I am seeing parents under great financial and emotional strain trying to keep up with an overwhelming sports' schedule that overtakes family dinners and dominates weekend activities. And for what? It's unlikely any of our kids will receive athletic college scholarships, despite all of our fantasies (mine included).

The physical and emotional health benefits from playing sports are being undermined by extreme training and intense adult pressures. Among our teen athletes, I am seeing increasing demands on them to perform at exceedingly high levels. Cheating, steroid use, overtraining and rage are rearing their ugly heads in the service of achieving that savored "competitive edge."

In this blog, I hope to address these concerning issues related to youth sports and their connections to the collegiate and professional sport world. I hope to facilitate a dialogue among parents about what is healthy and edifying for their children in a fast-paced, win-at-all-cost sporting world.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5231882_sports-good-kids_.html

[amberdy]

I don't think I put that much pressure on my children. They all play sports because I think it is good exercise and good social interaction. I definitely don't expect any of them to get scholarships or go pro.

[nngmommy83]

Hmmmm, interesting but I tend to follow my daughter. If she wants to play and I can afford it she plays. She wants to become a professional soccer player, that's her dream not mine. If I can help her get there I will. If she changes her mind in the future that's fine too

[Jinx-Troublex3]

Ditto the other ladies. I require my kids to choose a sport. For their "PE" since we homeschool I want them out with other kids.

I do not dictate their sport and don't require them to practice on their off days. However, since I also train, I am more than happy to work with them if they WANT extra time.

I don't understand parents that push and prressure their kids to the point of burnout.

[Jess1231]

We don't pressure our son to play he asked. We don't worry about winning or losing. Sports teach being a team player aswell as give exercise.

[jen113000]

 This is my sons first time playing a sport on a team. I asked him before signing up, and he wants to play. He trys his best and loves running around the the other kids. Thats all I want from him, is his best. If he told me he didn't want to play again after this season then so be it..

[Miranda1127]

 I think it can be overdone. But I don't think the fact that some overdo it means the entire concept is flawed....just theirs.

[PurpleHazey]

Quoting Jess1231:

We don't pressure our son to play he asked. We don't worry about winning or losing. Sports teach being a team player aswell as give exercise.

I agree with you!

[natesmom1228]

I don't pressure my son to be involved in sports. He loves the sports that he participates in.

[Barabell]

I see that often in hockey. I see a certain percent of parents pay thousands and thousands of dollars a year for their child to play hockey year round. (I'm sure this is common in other sports in other parts of the country too.) It does make me wonder how healthy it is for a kid to practice the same sport almost every day since they were three. I wonder how accepting those parents would be if the child lost their passion for the sport? I wonder how their joints are going to handle all those repetitive motions by the time the "kids" are 20? Will they be more prone to injuries and stress?

[mommybug77]

I think there can be a thin line for both the players, parents & coaches sometimes.