My 6 yo boy at the time was not ready for group sports. I put him into gymnastics for a few years and he developed great strength and skills. Started swimming a bit later. Went on to become a college level swimmer and also did track in HS.

We’ve tried a bunch of different things, my DD is now 8. She loves swimming but doesn’t want to race competitively so really just does that in the summer. The big thing she is into right now is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Yea he’s them to protect themselves so that’s a win and teaches them confidence as well. We have found a great group of kids and she has been doing it for 2 years so far. She does do soccer but only rec league in the spring and fall.

DS was like that and signing him up for martial arts in K was one of the best decisions we made. It was so good for his self confidence.

This also doesn’t mean he won’t like team sports forever. Around 5th/6th grade he completely changed and became very interested in a few. Don’t get caught up in the crazy of this area. Some kids start later snd that’s okay! Mine is a teenager now and plays on team sports year round but still talks fondly of his taekwondo days.

Also, please see if he is interested in something else too. Music? Art? Chess? Let's not over do the boys must do sports thing.

-mom of two boys - one in sports, one in music. (both had exposure to both as little kids).

Fencing is for wussies

Anonymous wrote:Gymnastics is great for boys that age.

+1

Builds strength that could be useful for other sports later.