I definitely try not to judge parents, but I think, personally there are more down sides to travel sports than benefits, that's why I won't allow them. I don't think every parent is living vicariously through their kids, but some are. Its lays been that way abd always will be.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP-I feel like if a kid has any other interests they want to pursue, they take the rec league/do it for fun route. My DD loves softball and could have taken the travel route but it would have meant giving up dance, which she also loves.
Most kids will never be elite athletes so it makes no difference in college admissions (which is what parents obsess about in this area). Kids should be able to take on activities for the enjoyment and explore different interests.

I hear you.

Plus, why all the competitive sports? Doesn’t growing up in this area already have enough of the whole “winners vs. loser” thing?

Why can’t there be more athletic sports where every kid wins?

Oh God. The type that created “every kid gets a trophy”. Does great damage later in life.

Just a note to all those criticizing travel sports and blaming their rise on hyper-competitive parents and high-stakes college admissions: some kids just are really into their sport!

Both spouse and I are academics, no athletic abilities whatsoever, but somehow produced a kid who is an amazing athlete and simply loves practicing and competing all year 'round, 7 days a week. Certainly not planning on it being a college hook (kid in middle school), and only do the whole competitive travel team because of kid's desire. We are just following their lead. Not everyone has nefarious purposes on these teams, truly.

As we all like to say, you parent the kid you have, not the kid you imagined you'd have!

My kid does summer swim and once a week winter swim and rec basketball in middle school. Has a great time. Low pressure.

Rec basketball is through the county. It’s one practice and one game per week.

Anonymous wrote:Our child does Rec soccer and county basketball. Quit the club teams for both sports and just plays for fun with friends. Very happy kid.

Our child just switched from travel/AAU to rec and is very happy.

Yes check out the YMCA. My 12 yr old does swimming and tennis through the Y. You can practice 1 day per week or 5. You can do tournaments/competitions, or not. You set your own pace

Anonymous wrote:OP-I feel like if a kid has any other interests they want to pursue, they take the rec league/do it for fun route. My DD loves softball and could have taken the travel route but it would have meant giving up dance, which she also loves.
Most kids will never be elite athletes so it makes no difference in college admissions (which is what parents obsess about in this area). Kids should be able to take on activities for the enjoyment and explore different interests.

I hear you.

Plus, why all the competitive sports? Doesn’t growing up in this area already have enough of the whole “winners vs. loser” thing?

Why can’t there be more athletic sports where every kid wins?

OP-I feel like if a kid has any other interests they want to pursue, they take the rec league/do it for fun route. My DD loves softball and could have taken the travel route but it would have meant giving up dance, which she also loves.
Most kids will never be elite athletes so it makes no difference in college admissions (which is what parents obsess about in this area). Kids should be able to take on activities for the enjoyment and explore different interests.

Two of my kids, a DD and DS, did rec leagues for years. Neither played on a high school team although high school players would often join in the off season. You just need to find the right league. DCUM was really helpful when I was looking for a baseball league for my DS who just wanted to play.