Parenting Question (Sports, Small Kids)

csfmap
Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:14:15 +0000

Your daughter is only four. You don’t have to map out her whole life. If she likes swimming, gymnastics and dance, why not let her try them in a few years (or now if there’s an appropriate pre-school program in your area). She can take the skills she learns to other sports. Chances are great she’ll have some fun and want to move on to something else before it becomes an issue. But, if she does want to continue past a point it’s acceptable to you and your husband, you’re still the parents. You just say, “no more - sorry.” Of course you would have developmentally appropriate conversations with her along the way so she’ll understand your reasoning, but I think you’ll be surprised how amenable kids are. I don’t think it’s going to crush her to participate in activities now that she won’t be able to continue later. I almost think the fact she can’t do some things later is a great reason to let her do them now.

Another thing about sports is that sometimes it’s about a whole lot more than sports. My son grew up playing baseball and swimming. I had no doubt that when he got to high school and the two sports were the same season, that he’d chose baseball. If he had chosen a sport, it would have been baseball. But, instead he picked a group of kids and an amazing coach and swam with them. He had no regrets. He totally loved swimming because he spent time with people he enjoyed being around. They were a group who’s friendships will be long lasting.