Can we talk about specializing at an early age?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can swing it - winter or summer - kid competitive swimming is a life skill. 2-3 years of summer swim team (or winter if that timing works) and you won’t have to worry about going to a pool with friends.

I also recommend some level of tennis, golf and/or running. They are the grown up sports that you will benefit from playing as a teen. Just getting started. Lessons, having fun.

Most people don't start tennis, golf, running until they are older, that's why they are considered "grown up sports". Unless you want your kid to be a competitive golfer, there's no reason s/he needs to start in elementary school. Tennis is so easy to pick up. I didn't start playing until my 30s and I'm good now! I'm not winning tournaments regularly, but good enough that people ask me to play against them.

Is this satire or are you really this obtuse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anything can be an adult sport. There are plenty of people who play adult baseball or softball. Beer league hockey is popular and seems fun for those who do it. I see plenty of adult soccer and even ultimate frisbee is common in some areas.

This is my impression too. I did one of the sports everyone says is a lifelong sport, and... I have no interest in doing it as an adult. I will never be anywhere near as good at it as I used to be and it's just kinda depressing. It's more fun to try new things now.

Just let kids do what interests them now whether it's one sport or five, as long as your schedule and finances can support it. You can't predict what you child will enjoy in a few years let alone as an adult.

You must be a scrub

Huh? I had a lot of success in my sport... it paid for college. I just have no interest in doing it now. A lot of former teammates actually feel the same way. Probably because it became like more of a job at that point. I'm still in good shape, just not elite athlete shape.

Sorry you weren't any good. Hope you're not giving out advice on sports.

NP but I don’t understand the eye rolls, either. I competed in rowing at a very high level and now have little interest in doing it as an adult. Training that much takes a toll. I’m still very active and love to exercise but can do without the pressure. I agree to let kids do what interests them. My hope for my kids is that they’ll see sports as a way to build fitness and connect with others and enjoy life. There are SO many ways to do that which don’t require early specialization.

I’m also aware of the many downsides of super early specialization and pushing kids too much. That plays into it, too.

[Anonymous]

Video from little league about playing multiple sports.


https://www.littleleague.org/videos/youth-sports-specialization/