Do I Really Need to Have My Kids in Sports?

0

I may have a little attitude. I may like to win, so what?  I hope my kids have the same fire inside of them and I hope we can help them find their fires! Sports played a major role in my life.  I played a few sports growing up until I found my calling in softball.  I assume my parents recognized I was decently talented because I joined better and better teams until I ended up playing at the University of San Diego.  

I know there were lots of times I wasn’t thrilled to wake up early for a game and was sad to miss a party (yes, I missed plenty of parties while traveling with my club softball team).  Nonetheless, my parents picked up the slack during those times reminding me that I made a commitment to my team.

I believe our family goal is to expose our kids to as many sports as necessary until we help them find their calling.  If you or your children aren’t into athletics, you can replace “sports” with “activities.”  That works too.  I mean, my kids might choose to play a musical instrument or excel in an activity I have never tried before.

Knowing my kids though, they may be just a little bit competitive, and I’m using “a little bit” very loosely.  The apples don’t fall far from the tree! So far, my six year olds have played soccer, tennis, golf, softball and gymnastics.  I’m not sure where they will excel, and I have a feeling it will be in different sports, which is wonderful because then my twin daughters will have their own sport to help them gain their own identity and confidence.   

I believe strongly in team sports.  They help kids learn to work well with others, work toward a common goal, and build confidence.  Confidence is the key for me. The fact that my kids will feel confident in their ability in their chosen sport / activity and will have a strong identity is priceless.

I recall my dad always talking about other kids (usually kids that were in trouble) saying, “they have too much time on their hands.”  I never quite understood what he meant until I had children of my own.  

If my kids didn’t have a sport or activity, what would they spend their time doing?  

They would have more time to worry, be engaged in social drama, and waste time on things that likely don’t matter. 

Growing up, I was very social, but really didn’t have extra time to worry about who did or didn’t like me.  Now I’m an adult, I don’t care what others think of me. Some people will like me and some won’t; that’s the reality.  Ultimately, in case you haven’t realized yet, I am definitely putting my kids in sports!

A couple of books I’m thinking about getting my girls (that are not sport related): 

Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves

The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here