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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PS - let me add that as the PP - we obviously did not sign up DD at age 6 for travel soccer so she was going to be a star player nor because we thought she'd be academically more successful being over scheduled.  I'm just sharing that the added benefit beyond that she enjoys soccer and it's healthy for her is that her grades are really good and I attribute that to work ethic which is what her current "overscheduling" has given her - I actually don't think it is but some would suggest it.  She still has a lot of time to see friends, we host sleepovers, etc.  She does not have 4 hours of homework per night - just 60-90 min worth max and we are not committed to every practice/game if we did could not go for whatever reason.

I agree that it's a lot of money - A LOT.  But again, having kids and giving them the best experiences is about spending some $.  I agree that most of the clubs are in it for $ because it's a business but hey, my kid is getting something out of it so I'm not going to bash the business.  Is it really making her a better soccer player, nope.  But I'm not in this for a college scholarship - I'm in this for her enjoyment and if it also helps her understand commitment at an early age - it's worth the money![/quote]

I'm one of PPs that's been critical of travel sports, but I think this is a healthy outlook. I'm not bashing travel sports with the idea that it can't be beneficial for some.  Spoiler: both of my kids, somewhat hypocritically, are on travel teams although they fit a certain profile. I'm bothered that they're viewed by so many as the only/best option for their child and requires so much (time, money, personal commitment) when there should be less restricted alternatives.  It sounds like your DD is receiving the intrinsic benefits of sports in a way that works for her.  That's wonderful. It's also crazy that a kid/family may have to pick a sport at the age of 6 that can take so much that it leaves limited opportunities to explore/commit to other sports or activities, depending on that family's circumstances. Kudos to you for making it work though.[/quote]

PP here and I appreciate your comments.  On why she started soccer and continues this is a kid won't age 6 ASKED to do rec + jr academy which is the precursor to travel.  Yes - I was surprised because I gave her the option of either not both!  We are not even a soccer family - I never thought I'd have a kid in a sport!  She said to me - mom - how can I get better without someone teaching me how to play?  I want to do academy.  But I love being with my friends so I want to play rec.  so we did both and it was ltruly a ton of soccer!  But again this is something she very logically decided upon.  It worked out and she is a natural.  I cannot for the record get her to play any other sport because as she puts it - soccers my sport - why do I need another one? And again I see no problem with her turning down other athletic opportunities because ultimately we are doing specifically travel soccer bevause of her enjoyment.  I have her in music because I believe in the balance of athletics for your body but music for your brain as I was a music teacher at one point in my life.

My point on this thread is to share that travel sports is neither a good or bad thing and an over scheduled kid to some isn't really one of you at the big picture.  I don't think it's right for OP or anyone to assume families who have kids oriented to multi sports are one thing or another.

I think kids who study 3 hrs a day like the other poster is nuts.  I would much rather my kid not spend 1/2 night on homework whether she gets into Harvard or not- I simply don't think it's healthy.  But I also think people are built differently and if that's what floats her kids boat, good for them.  I think people are different. [/quote]

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