Quote From: fredastareI think that for the most part, children participating in any type of sporting activity is a very productive and esteem building tool.
My children had NO choice when they were 2 -3 years old and I enrolled them in swimming lessons. No these lessons aren't considered a sport, yet can evolve as such if they so desire.
No different for me was to enroll them in ice skating programs at that age. I feel it is a valuable thing to be able to skate without the fear of injury.
Same goes for learning to ride a two wheel bicycle........it's a very real part of most children's lives in society. If they develop a deeper interest in pursuing any of these activities on a competitive level. I strongly encourage it.
Swimming is so important..............may save their life one day. It's a shame how many children do not know how to swim. Cycling and ice skating (here in Canada) is more of a social aspect among children. If a child reaches school age and does not know how to do these tasks, they are often teased about their lack of ability.
Sad but true.
Now for full out contact sports.........well personally I don't like the idea of kick boxing, boxing or any other sport that requires a head injury ( knock out)........that I feel is just wrong.
Yet my kids all play contact ice hockey, contact football, rugby, baseball.........and a variety of other sports.
Contact in many sports are not to cause harm or injury, yet it does occur often. Even in non contact sports........gymnastics, track and field etc........ even dance, often result in injury.
I say expose your children to the possibilities..........so long as they are having fun and building their self confidence they are onto a very healthy thing.
We owe it to our children to allow them to explore the possibilities..........I think that there is a sport available for just about every child, barring those with disabilities etc.
If a sport is no longer fun for the child, then I think the parent needs to reassess...........the why's?
Is it due to a pushy parent..........looking for a superstar professional? A closed minded and harsh coach that is like a drill sergeant?
It should be about enjoyment for the child...........which in turn leads to enhanced self esteem and physical fitness.
Fredi
I do agree with much of what you are saying. I am the type of parent who allows their child to develop interests and that is when we decide what is right for them. No my children do not play soccer, they are only 3 and 5, but they do participate in activities and they have fun,learn, are active and happy and as they grow and mature, there will be plenty for them to get involved in. My 5 year old has seen soccer games, when placed on the field just for fun, she had an absolute non interest, at five, kids do develop interests and ideas and parents can pick up on those and get them into something that they are interested in which is exactly what I have done. I agree with the swimming activity which my girls have already been involved in and will continue, right along with their music and for my oldest her art. I agree that kids need to enoy what they are doing and they need to be involved in something that will build their self image nad thankfully I see all this in my girls and that is what is imporant to me, their happiness and well being.
