Free Writing – Parents, Kids and Sports

Approximately 42 million kids play youth sports every year. The majority of children who participate in sports play because it is a good form of exercise and a good way to socialize with their peers. Beyond the rare exception, they do not sign up at a young age with the hopes of someday becoming a professional athlete. Most kids want to become skilled at the games they play, but often not for the same reasons as their parents. Many parents want their kids to be the best, while many kids simply want to be good enough to fit in and enjoy the game. Parents have big dreams for their kids, but it is important for them to keep those dreams in check and help their kids define an appropriate line between fun and competition. Parents and coaches who put winning as the only standard of success significantly diminish the kids’ chance to grow and have positive experiences with athletics.

For parents, encouraging their kids to participate on athletic teams is a serious commitment of time and energy. Dedicated parents spend hours on end driving their kids to and from practices and games. Many parents also serve the dual role of parent and cheerleader at their children’s games. All the time and effort, though, is worth it for parents because of the end results. Being part of a team gives kids confidence and teaches them about responsibility and accountability. They are motivated towards both individual and team goals, and don’t want to let the team down by slacking off. For parents who are worried about how their children spend their free time, sports represent a wholesome way that kids can spend their time after school. Kids who want to participate in sports are forced to manage their time to find a balance between all their different activities. In general, sports benefit both parents and their children and help them to grow in unique ways.