Quote From: kschmittz"I think kids should be aloud to explore and discover what they want and like."
How do they (or you) even know they do/don't like sports until they try something? Do any of her friends play? Have you shown her anything she might look at to see whether or not they may be fun? Again, it is your job to show her these things even exist.
My oldest was about 6 when he started soccer and yes, he asked a couple of times but mostly becuse his friends were doing it. Now, they are both going for baseball this spring. They have both decided they will play soccer in the fall, baseball in spring and swim in summer. Just as I think a lot of parents push their kids at sports I also think on the opposite side some keep their kids from sports, too. It's very hard to see your children out there being aggressive but on the same hand it's good, too. I cannot explain it to those who aren't there yet. I just think children deserve to see what all is out there and just like you said explore and discover what they like. You never know until you try it.
My children are not missing anything, My daughter has never shown an interest in a sport and yes, she has several friends who play soccer and in dance. Like I said, she is interested in art and music therefore that is what she is involved in. I even gave her choices and she is sticking with the music lessons. I think a parent who is alert and knows their kids personalities and know what they enjoy and have their kids best interests at hand, then their child will be successful. My children are very social and active and I am not gonna suggest something to them that they are not interested in, I will suggest things that go right along with their personalities. It's just like with her schooling, I talked about homeschooling and though we are still considering it for the future, we put her in a private school, why? because she likes the school setting and wanted to go. I am very flexible with my kids and they are experiencing life to it's fullest, my daughter knows what she wants and just like her mommy, she goes after it and I am sure as she grows older, her interests will change as we all experience those kind of changes in life and when those times come, I am very alert and open, in the meantime, she is particiapating in art and music programs for this is where she is.
As for my three year old, who knows! Sse is too young for a sport so we are not going there, she does like music and art as well, but not sure where that is going yet, she would much rather play with friends, that's all she talks about, playing with her "best" friends and for now, that is all she needs. She is in the bell choir at church but even then, she has to be in the mood, if she doesn't want to participate, she just walks off stage,LOLLLL. So, it will be interesting where her little life takes her in the next year or so.
So inr reality, I am not keeping my kids form anything, for those on these message boards, it might look like that, but I can honestly sit here and say,that is far far from the truth, my kids are a very high prioroy in my home and their daddy and I have the desire for them to be happy and fullfilled therefore we will follow our parenting instincts to make that happen and it doesn't have to conform to anyone elses agenda or ideas, but what suits our girls personalites and desires.
There is nothing missing my girls life and for that I am thankful.
