Topic : Sports and Kids

My daughter has been playing Baseball since she's 4 1/2!! She's 13 now and switched from Baseball to Softball 4 years ago. She has really enjoyed it alot. I don't remember a single time her telling me she didn't want to go to practice or a game ever. She also started playing Soccer when she was 4 1/2 but had to give it up after 6 years to play Softball because the schedules overlapped each other so she had to choose one or the other. Softball has become very expensive because she has reached a very competitive level. We have traveled all over Washington State and parts of Oregon, we even made it to a National's Tounament in Texas in 2003!! These have been such great times for all of us as a family. My older daughter and I both really enjoy watching her grow into a SUPERSTAR!!!   

So I guess in my opinion sports are very important for your children. They help teach disipline, time management and keeping them in shape. (Not to mention it's fun)  

My son who is now 16- has played baseball and football since the age of 5. He loves both sports. 

He has never NOT wanted to play however if he said he wanted to quit one I would not MAKE him play. I am glad he stays involved in at least 2 sports per year.  

Not only does it keep them busy after school but it encourages them to keep their grades up in order to play. 

I think as long as a child CAN handle sports and grades it is great. I do think it teaches them alot in life. However I am not the type of parent that says MAKE THEM PLAY. If they dont have the desire to do so- your waisting your time. 

Hi! I'm a fourteen year old girl and I have played sports all of my life. Sports have really structured my life. I am a straight A student, do very well in sports, have wonderful friendships, and best of all, a wonderful family life. I have run Cross Country for two years, but am currently playing Volleyball, Basketball, and am running in Track. The sports have brought my family closer together and my bonds with my friends have become so much stronger. I have learned time management, how to interact with adults (my coaches), how to better improve myself, and how to work as a team player. Sports have helped me with my life, but best of all, I love to play them! 

 its great to hear that your doing so well in school and in sports. alot of people your age turn to other things to past the time. Not saying all teens do it but my brother just started, he's 14 as well and although I love him he's stupid. I found out he tryed weed. Now i can't trust him when he goes out, i ask him where he's going and he just says out and leaves. Its awsome to hear that you turned your extra time to sports and that your doing great in school. Keep up the good work and trust me if people seem to bother you don't sweat it, by the time you get to high school most people will have grown up and you'll be on the pricipal's list in no time ;)  

Help me PLEASE!! 

My son is 17 and has been playing football since 7th grade.  He has been on varsity since he started.  Football has kept his grades in the B-C range and also promotes good health habits.  He recently won All Region and All State this past December.  He is on the road to what could be a football scholarship which would be a godsend to the financial difficulties of today.  Here's my problem.  Enter girlfriend Cayla, he spends 24-7 with her, has dropped seeing all his football buddies (who by the way call me Mom), and now I learn Cayla has been asked to leave school due to lack of credits.  She should be graduating this year but only has 13 1/2 credits due to high absence.  I asked my son why and he said she skipped school for various reasons.  She is leaving school with parental permission on Feb 26th, her 18th birthday.  Now I'm worried, our son has skipped practice and wants to quit because he doesnt get to see Cayla (maybe we should prolong the day past 24-7).  Last week was his 2nd try at the ACT test which he wanted to make a higher grade in (his words) and he "slept in".  One the road to no where land is what I say.  Cayla has controled every aspect of his life for 8 months and now I worry at a constant pace.  Look what time it is 4:27am EST.  I have lost sleep, have no appetite, lost 26 pounds, and have drank coffee and smoked till my I drop.  Help me, please! 

I think that kids playing sports is very important in developing them in the future. If kids have something else they love to preoccupy them then when they grow up they are less likly to be in trouble.  

 I am currently 24 years old and have been playing sports since I was 4 years old. I played every school sport I could play. I also played competative fastball and ringette. I maintained the honor roll in junior high school and high school. Every sport I played was a team sport and promoted "team playing" from a young age.  

Beacuse I was always busy playing one sport or another I never had time to get into trouble or meet the wrong people. My parents were very supportive and always there cheering me on, this in turn gave me a very close relationship with my parents. 

I now have a 4 year old who is very active and athletic and because I had the opportunity and support from my parents to be involved, I can't wait to experience this with my son.