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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

[b]Finally, I have some personal observations about video games. To be sure, some of the attrition from organized sports is about lazy parents (I'm one of them) who don't do enough to limit video game time and stupid kids who get sucked in. But at the same time, I see why my kid has gotten sucked in.  Because video games are fun. Because he can find similarly interested gamers and play with them, thereby having control over his playing environment.  Because he sees how his practice makes him better (which is not always the case in club sports). When he fails, he just starts another game, and is not berated by any adult or threatened with a demotion or time on the bench. Video games, to him, are safe and the environment more within his control. Club soccer is often unfair, random, influenced by politics. It involves more driving time than playing time. All of these factors make organized sports less fun and video games more appealing.[/quote][/b]

I think you and I are the same mom.   :D

I think this is an interesting observation about the video games.  I've seen my own DS, who rarely played video games, get sucked in over the past couple of years.  And now that you pointed it out, I realized he's mainly playing online with his old soccer teammates who remained on their team after the age change to birth year.  DS had to move up, one of only two boys who were new to the team.  He had a hard time breaking in with a team who had been playing together for years, and I've never been made to feel particularly "accepted" by the parents.

We both have enjoyed his HS soccer a lot more, I actually care about what happens in those games, and root for them to win.  His travel team?  I just root for the games to be over.[/quote]

Glad to know there are  more of us!  How old is your son? I've spoken with a number of parents who say that this disengagement happens in the 12-14 year range and is very common.

Glad to hear that HS is working out. I hope it works for my son as well.[/quote]

He's 15 and plays on a CCL team.  He's grown noticeably less engaged in soccer over the past year.  Not very enthusiastic about games, not too thrilled with practices, doesn't get out and do ball work at home like he used to...  I should say though that he has a great coach.  Of all the coaches he's had in soccer or any other sport, this coach is the only one he doesn't complain about and DS really respects him.

This winter was hard, neither of us realized how intense it would be over the winter (first year in the seniors level).  He needed the break we're accustomed to, to miss soccer, to play a winter sport, and to be good and ready to return to soccer.

He's at the age where he and I have talked about whether or not he wants to play in college.  Part of him does and part doesn't.  A big part of his identity has always been "really good soccer player", so I'm sure giving that up is something he's not ready for.

I hope HS soccer goes well for your son too!  It's really been a fun experience for us.  Playing with classmates and friends, representing your school, etc.  [/quote]

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