Had the same issue with my older DD when she was 3. She clearly had a lot of natural talent, but the minute we tried to put her in a structured setting, she would shut it down and get hostile.

We backed off on the formal stuff but would nonchalantly bring a ball to the park. Sometimes she'd take it and go dribble all over, and sometimes she wouldn't touch it.

When we started her back in a league around 5, I really focused on making sure she associated it with having fun - I'd toss her in the air after practice, have a special treat after games, etc. Now, she loves it - and is a complete and total baller! (Humble brag: She is awesome!!)

Her younger sister (just turned 3), has more interest - obviously because her older sister is doing it - but she still can't handle more than 10 minutes of structured soccer. And now I know that that's fine. Pushing her to the point that she resents soccer is a way bigger risk to her development than taking it easy for a bit while her maturity catches up with her natural skill.

Can the 3 year old verbalize why she hates it so much?

We had the same experience with our DD when she was that age. She was naturally really really good at the mechanics of soccer, but started having melt-downs about halfway through every practice. It turns out the game was too chaotic for her, since kids that age aren't really playing positions yet and it was pretty much just a free for all running after the ball. It was making her anxious and crying was the only way she could express that. She's 9 now and is still just as athletic and really good at the sport she finally discovered she loved (tennis). My advice is to try other sports and see if one clicks, and maybe give soccer a try in a few years once the memories of this season fade. 3 is really too young to push them at anything, even if the coaches are drooling over the natural talent.

See if you can find a friend for your kid to go with. The reality is most kids just lack confidence in new settings. Yes, even if you believe your kid is confident already, they are still kids. Having a buddy to play with can make all the difference.

My suggestion is to encourage but don't force them to go. If you do your child might associate soccer as being bad. I had a similar situation with my DS. He didnt like it at the younger ages. I rewarded him if he went with a trip to the playground afterward or some M&Ms and he finished the session. He didnt play again until he was 11 and now enjoys it and has been playing for a few years.

Just sharing my experience. Each kid is different.

Do you let your 3-4 year old eat sugar for dinner because they hate the dinner you made?

Don't force the kid but don't stress out either. They don't know what they like or don't like yet. Keep taking them and do other things too. It is just supposed to be fun and if they just don't like the organized aspect of it then just play in the yard with them.

My 2 daughters were begging and begging to play a sport. I signed them up for a local league. The 3 year old is really REALLY good, and REALLY hates it. Like, she naturally knows how to dribble and steal the ball from people, and is just good with the footwork. But has absolutely zero desire to participate in practice. The four year old will participate, but... has a typical skill level for a four year old.

Do I make the 3 year old keep going? I do, right? The coach is obsessed with the 3 yo, but she literally cries the entire time we are there. She will run around for the first few minutes, enough time to get the coach super excited - and then throws a fit and refuses to play anymore. t's not laziness or lack of physical fitness - she is incredibly athletic and in shape. She just insists she hates soccer and doesn't want to be there. We've had one game and two practices.

i feel like a horrible parent for making her go, but we did pay and spent a ton of money finding cleats and stuff small enough for her... and I don't want to encourage quitting... Any advice? Any ideas on how to convince her to participate and practice??