Would you prefer for your child to play sports or a musical instrument?

[Anonymous]

This is just for fun. If you could only choose one or the other for your child which would you prefer? And please don't say "whichever my child has an interest in." Just hypothetically, which activity would you wish that your child had an interest in?

[Anonymous]

Sports.

[Anonymous]

I'd say sports also, because of the being part of a team aspect. I think that is an important thing to learn.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the sport and the instrument (how's that for a typical DCUM answer?).

One can learn teamwork by playing in a band/orchestra.

[Anonymous]

As someone who did both all through high school, I'd say sports b/c I still participate in that sport now while the violin collects dust. However, the violin gave me a great appreciation and understanding of music that I carry with me today, even though I'm no longer proficient at playing.

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping she'll like both! DH and I are both musical and athletic, and both things are a valuable part of my life. I'm a better musician than athlete for the most part, but the athletic ability has a bigger place in my life right now because it keeps me in shape.

If I had to choose, I'd probably say "sports." I feel like growing up with sports can give a kid lessons in camaraderie, winning vs. losing, and set her/him up to be active in their adult life. Plus she'll fit in with her peers; most of my friends play some sort of sport now. I feel like she can probably get the benefits of music by hearing different genres without playing them herself.

[Anonymous]

Definitely music. Exercise comes in many forms, but mastering an instrument opens up a whole world of artistic creation and enjoyment.

[Anonymous]

A sport - because I think it encourages regular exercise more than anything else. And in an age when kids spend so much time sitting (in front of TVs, computers) - they sometimes need to be prodded to be active.

[Anonymous]

I'd really love for him to try both, but if I had to pick one I definitely say sports. But that's probably just because that what I've enjoyed more, and my childhood/HS/college sports have been way more influential in my adult life than my childhood/HS band experience.

[Anonymous]

Sports. I relate to it more and like going to games.

[Anonymous]

Music!

[aprilmayjune]

As a musician, and watching how much my 2 year old loves to sing and dance, I'd pick music. But I am intentionally trying not to think that way because both are fulfilling experiences, and my husband is more athletic than musical or artistic so I'm sure he'd like her to go the other way, and all that matters to either of us is that she participates in life in whatever way makes her happy.

[Anonymous]

music

[Anonymous]

Whichever my child enjoyed the most.

However, I do think some form of exercise is important even if it's gymnastics, dance, karate, or swimming. So I guess if I had to pick one, I'd pick sports.

[Anonymous]

Obviously the popular answer will be sports, because as a nation we're unhealthily obsessed with athletic achievement. My hope would be that DD pursue something like music (with a band) while also pursuing some private and low-profile physical endeavor like mountain biking or trial running.