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[quote=Anonymous]I have a seven year old who is in a competitive sport.  She practices 2-3 days a week and often has meets on the weekends a couple of times a month.  In some cases, the meets are two-day events.

I was warned specifically by a coach I trust not to let her practice more than this (I was thinking of bumping her up to four times a week at her request).  He said that many kids who could go on to the elite level burn out at around 10 or 12 if they are pushed (or push themselves) too hard too early.

With that in mind, I would think a 5 day a week commitment to the same activity is too much.  I also agree that if this is a new team, the owner may be trying to raise revenue or hasn't thought through the impact of asking for that kind of commitment at age 7.  She may end up with no team once everybody quits in a year or two.

In terms of why do it to the family, in theory I agree.  In real life, though, I can tell you that the sense of accomplishment the kids get from their progress is tremendous.  My older kid was asked to join a competitive team last year in a different sport, and her focus on the sport and her pride at being on the team is something to see.  She keeps her grades up, is speaking up more in school, and generally is doing well.  I would not take that away from her.  The little one is already very focused on her sport and glows with pride and excitement whenever she is asked to practice with the bigger kids.

Given the astronomical odds against it, it's pretty safe to say neither will ever go to the Olympics, become a professional athlete or even go to nationals, but they are learning good lessons from sports about focus, working hard to achieve a result, time management, team dynamics and passion.  I think those are all lessons worth learning, and I was not really even an athlete growing up.  Sometmes we run arond all weekend because of sports.  I hate those weekends.  Yet, I love what it does for my kids.[/quote]

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