Reply to Anyone have a child who is in a highly competitive sport team?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'd like to see data on the matter of ultimate adult outcomes for people who were outstanding child and teen athletes. I believe there are outcome risks involved with the idea of too much success too early in life - something like what Springsteen sings about in "Glory Days".  In aggregate there are probably equal numbers of people who become successful adults or not, from each cohort of children regardless of their individual athlete talents as children?!?!

There must be studies on this topic out there. If there are any people or psychologists in the DCUM community who have such knowledge it would be good to hear your thoughts.

Thanks[/quote]

Give me a break.  We are friends with two former NFL players from good families, played at top colleges and are professionally successful.  I come from a very athletic family that all were college athletes and everyone turned out very successful.

"Glory Days' is about a working class environment/steel town where HS is the peak for everyone.

[b]Competitive sports provides discipline and commitment and time away from the hazards of teen drugs, alcohol, etc.  Two of my nephews just got track scholarships this year to college and both made the Dean's list their first semester.  Their good friend that was scholar, non-athelete, valedictorian did not[/b].[/quote]

All 3 of my kids are in travel sports.  The time committment and expense is a heavy load for all of us.  I totally agree with the last statement.  Many of the best athletes are excellent students as well.  And I think they do well in life for the[u] experience[/u] of sports. Its not the end that matter so much as the travels getting there.

Other than the expense and time committment and logistics challenges, its the tryout process that causes anxiety every year.  Unlike rec sports, kids are cut every year (and kids move up too).  And sometimes they move kids midyear - argh!  Its part of life too so my kids have adjusted to it.

My kids started in travel at 8 years old.  It was young but certainly not 5 days a week (2 days a week practice + a game on weekend).  Now its 3 days a week plus winter practices and summer camps.

I've rarely seen kids/families leave the program which amazes me as it is difficult.  I think most families figure it out before they try out whether they want the experience and family obligation.[/quote]

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