Sports and Overachieving Kids

Posted on March 29, 2009 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Physical Health

Alright, I’m probably unusual in this, but I don’t really care if my kids are superstar athletes at age 8 or 9. Just seems silly, and perhaps even harmful to push a child to excel in a sport at a young age. Maybe when they are in middle school, or even high school. But for goodness sake, let a child enjoy childhood without the pressures of competition and rigorous practice schedules and failure – and parental pushing.

There. I said it. Someone will take me to task – maybe you? That’s OK, just leave a comment telling me why. Let’s have a little conversation about this topic!

Whatever your perspective, read this book review in the Wall Street Journal. It is about a parent who had some doubts about the emphasis we see today on kids in sports. Read to the end, because Dan Ackman offers some reassuring words for those who choose to help their child learn and benefit from youth sports.

Comments

2 Responses to “Sports and Overachieving Kids”

  1. AlexSorent on April 8th, 2009 6:40 am

    Well, these are interesting thoughts. I think they are true. However, everything is
    relative and ambiguous to my mind.

  2. Ken on April 8th, 2009 2:14 pm

    As a former youth coach and presently a small Bible college coach, I have seen way too many parents and coaches who go over the top with the pressure. However, a great team sport experience teaches so many valuable intangibles…teamwork, communication, personal responsibility, accountability, respect for authority, dealing with pressure, good health habits, etc. My advice to parents is “If the coach is not building proper self esteem, get the child out”, maybe I should add “or if it is not a safe, fun environment.”

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