Child Development

The news is full of stories about parents and kids at sporting events or practice, where the problems that arise are more frequently showcased. What we would like to see are the stories of kids that make a name for themselves with their talents. Every four years we get the chance to see those athletes that do make a difference, but beyond that we hear mostly of the professional athletes that our kids look up too. While it is true that all kids look for role models, what are they really looking for? They should admire the athletic ability - not the life style. The money and fame may look nice, but it is also important to teach our kids that it is the persons actions and how they live their life that is most important. It is sad statement for our society today that we'd rather hear about the bad enviroment instead of the good things associated with youth sports, and sports in general. Playing a game fairly and honestly should be most important. When kids are taught that winning is more important, and to win at all cost, it is then that we see the breakdown of youth sports.

My youngest daughter plays soccer. She was four years old the first time she set foot on the field. Now, at 11 ½, she plays with a traveling league, works with trainers to improve her game, and is starting to think about a scholarship when she graduates high school. It's amazing to think that at this age she is thinking that far in advance. I can remember, vaguely, being 11 years old and wondering what album I wanted to get at the store, or if I could spend sometime with my friends that weekend. Our society has changed. Our kids are being challenged more and more each day to grow up faster and make something of their lives - even at a young age. I wonder, though, if we are pushing them to soon, into a world they may not be ready for. By middle school they are experienced and ready to take on the world. It is quite common now to see teenagers involved in professional sports.

Youth sports, overall, can be good for both the kids and parents. While they are learning skills and making friends, we, as parents, get the chance to meet other adults with similar interests. I have found many times that I have been almost as excited for the start of a soccer season as my daughter. In our everyday lives we sometimes find it difficult to make friends. Time constraints and family obligations often keep us close to home, without much time to socialize. Having kids involved in sports sometimes helps us to be more social and open to the world. The weekends are spent going to practices and games, helping at booths and being the carpool driver for the team. Also, that hour span of time, during practice, I have found to be the perfect relaxation time. I can use that time to catch up on reading, correspondence and since i'm a writer, my daughter's soccer practice has turned into a great place to do editing - uninterrupted. I've even been known to just sit and relax., while listening to music. So, practice two or three times a week, adds up to quite a bit of quiet time.

With all the opportunities our kids have today it is easy to see how they get caught up in it all. But as parents, it is our job to give them someone to look up to. They need to see that the people involved in professional sports are human, they make mistakes. It's not the money and popularity that makes them a star it's their talent for the sport. While it maybe good for our kids to want to play professional sports one day, their time in youth sports should be about learning values and how to be part of a team. Then, should they enter into the professional world of sports, they can lead by example.

Kelly is a stay-at-home-mom to 3 busy teenage girls. After moving around the country with her husband for the last 15 years, while he has served in the U.S. Navy, they are looking forward to joining the 'civilian world' later this year. She has been writing for several years, having several works published in Poem Anthologies.