Are We Pushing Children Too Fast Into The Sports World?
By Kelly S. Croslis

We have become a sports oriented society. There are more sports offered for kids today than ever; from field hockey, soccer and softball for girls, to football, baseball and basketball for boys.

The news is full of stories about parents and kids at sporting events or practice, where the problems that arise are more frequently showcased.

It is a sad statement for our society today that we'd rather hear about the bad environment 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 ism ore 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 soccer field, now at 16 she has played on traveling teams and now varsity high school soccer. Her goal now is a soccer scholarship to a local university for a degree in physical therapy. It was about 4 or 5 years ago when she started asking about scholarships and how the process is done. It was amazing to me to think that she was already contemplating such things.

I can remember, vaguely, being 11 years old and wondering what album I wanted to get at the store, or if I could spend some time 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 too fast into a world they may not be ready for. Often by middle school they are experienced ball players and ready to take on the world. It is quite common now to see teenagers involved in professional sports. Youth sports, over all, can be good for both the kids and parents. While our kids 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 exited 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 concessions 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 am a writer, it is perfect for editing or fleshing out ideas. I've been known to just sit and relax where listening to music. Practice two or three times a week adds up to some quality relaxation time.

With all the opportunities our kids have today it is easy to see how they get caught 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 and often make mistakes.

It's not the money and popularity that makes t hem a star; it's their talent in their sport. While it may be 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.

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