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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Our oldest is now heading to college. She wasn't sporty, and focused relentlessly on academics. If she had been sporty, we'd probably be in the travel sports trap. I think we got lucky. She's heading to a T10 national university next year. I say this not to gloat but as a matter of fact. Her lack of scheduling allowed her to focus on homework for 3+ hours per night, and gave her the quiet time to decompress and be creative. Most of her peer group spent most of their time from ages 10-17 doing travel sports. I honestly believe now that it was counterproductive for most of these kids. Most of these parents are now disappointed (some aren't; a few got D1/D3 spots at Ivies, SLACs, etc.) I don't know what they expected; my hunch is these aren't rational decisions, but are more about reliving their glory days and living vicariously through their children. American parents seem to be making very irrational decisions with their children that ending up lining the pockets of shady kids' sports companies, and in the long run are at best neutral for their kids' outcomes and happiness.[/quote]

+1. Agree with all of this, except it is not just American parents who fall victim to the travel sports machine, or whatever it is they have been told will allegedly "give their child a leg up" - it won't, they have been mislead, and think that they have to change from piano/violin to (any other instrument here), and force their kids play sports that they would otherwise not choose. [/quote]

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