Be a Good Sports Parent
Parents come to youth sports because they care about their kids and appreciate the benefits of physical exercise and team play. However, it is possible to care too much. Here is some expert advice for keeping the youth sports experience positive -- both physically and mentally.
Don't become obsessed
with kids' sports.
Most experts say children should start in sports when they show a genuine, self-motivated interest. This does not mean the first step should involve organized competition. Sports consultant and retired coach Keith Zembower held his son out of organized sports until the boy was 10. He tells parents to get children grounded in skills, fundamentals, and play, rather than in organized games. He admits children may fall a bit behind when the time comes for competing, but they'll catch up.
Getting started means playing (note the word "play"). Encourage your child to take part in pickup games. Play catch with your daughter, kick soccer balls with your son, and shoot hoops with the whole family.
Jim M. Brown, a former physical education teacher and junior high, high school, and college coach, agrees with Zembower. "Many kids have done everything by age 12. They've had the traveling, the trophies, the new uniforms, the cheerleaders, the all-star teams, the whole thing. What's to look forward to? So, they may end up dropping out and developing an interest in other things -- some of them not good."
One last point: To prevent burnout, don't overdo the rewards like extra allowance or trips to the ice cream stand. Kids who "play for pay" tend to burn out quicker and take less pleasure in playing.
