If your teen is a nationally ranked athlete in a sport and wants to play a second sport for fun, would you let them?

[Anonymous]

My 13 year old is nationally ranked in an individual sport but also likes to play a second sport for fun at their school. The school does not mandate this. Would you let them play the secondary sport and risk an injury which can affect their main sport? I understand the benefits of cross training but does the opportunity cost make any sense here?

[Anonymous]

What sport and how highly ranked

[Anonymous]

100% let them play. Sports is the one area where kids get to have the most autonomy. Let them make that choice.

[Anonymous]

How injury prone is the second sport?

Fun/school community connection has a LOT of value.

[Anonymous]

secondar sport is soccer. Teen is very highly ranked nationally in an individual niche sport.

[Anonymous]

If they want to do it on the weekend with friends very casually why not

[Anonymous]

I let my kids have a childhood, and to me that includes exploring a variety of interests. Yes, I would allow this.

[Anonymous]

Of course! Teenagers are supposed to have fun! They’re supposed to try new things! Why would you even think of saying no? That’s absurd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:secondar sport is soccer. Teen is very highly ranked nationally in an individual niche sport.

Is this like something ridiculous like fencing? Then yes he or she can do it

[Anonymous]

I’m glad I’m not OP’s kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I let my kids have a childhood, and to me that includes exploring a variety of interests. Yes, I would allow this.

This, of course I'd let them do the second sport. Because my goal is raising a healthy, happy human, not a nationally ranked athlete.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:secondar sport is soccer. Teen is very highly ranked nationally in an individual niche sport.

What is up with parents not disclosing such information? Why the secrecy?

[Anonymous]

Yes, the poor kid shouldn’t be punished by being good at their primary sport. Idk how this is even a real question. If you don’t alllow it I’d fully expect kid to quit primary sport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:secondar sport is soccer. Teen is very highly ranked nationally in an individual niche sport.

What is up with parents not disclosing such information? Why the secrecy?

Because it’s a sport that maybe 3 people play

[Anonymous]

I think it's a great idea. You don't want too much of their identity and self-worth tied up in one sport. This is especially true if the niche sport is something like figure skating, where you'll see big changes over the next few years in a 13-year. Many lose their triples when they hit puberty and have to get them back once they are used to their new body, and it doesn't always work.