I went to a Division I college on a full athletic scholarship, and my husband as well. When we found out we were having a boy, the conversation automatically turned to what sports he would play. We never even considered the fact that he maybe he won’t be an athlete, or maybe he won’t be as “into it” as we were. It’s a struggle to not push your dreams on your kids, especially if you see some potential. (My son is only 5 months old, and so far he has great potential to be a professional screamer. Or boob sucker. Either one.) I had a conversation with my husband just a few days ago that we need to stop with the “when can we get him some golf clubs?” and “if he’s a lefty he needs to be a pitcher!” talk. I want my kid to be successful in whatever he chooses, but I can’t lie and say I don’t want him to be an athlete. I was pushed really hard as a kid (my dad was talking about me blowing my chance at a scholarship when I was 12 if I didn’t get over a stomach bug in time for a tournament), and so was my husband, so I’m sure it’s going to be something we struggle with.

My husband and I were also Div I athletes. We have 2 very active daughters. We want our daughters to stay active which means that they can choose any sport they want, but it is important to do something. Neither my husband nor I were pushed to compete. It was our choice and the higher level of competition was enjoyable. I think athletics teaches many important life lessons. I coached for a short while and constantly battled with our organization about over-use, cross training and duration of season. I believe there needs to be a balance.

I’m afraid that I am the opposite of most of the posters thus far.

For young children (mine are six and three), I can’t understand why we don’t just take them all out to a field with a variety of balls/equipment and let them go for it. They’ve got incredible imaginations, these little ones, and as long as they’re running around, getting fresh air and exercise, why should I care what or how they choose to play? My goals are to ensure they get adequate exercise and fresh air, and learn how to be safe, fair and friendly when interacting with other children… oh yeah, and to have FUN. I’m still unclear as to why my child’s ten member T-ball team requires five volunteer parents – three coaches, a manager and a field liner. I’m not kidding. The kids are so far oblivious to the various levels of management, mercifully!

Most of the structure and organization for sports for the under-tens is for the benefit of the parents, I am quite sure.

The majority of kids just want to run around and have fun – and shouldn’t we be catering to the majority?

There’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in competitive sports for those who are so inclined later on but, in the meantime, wouldn’t it be smart to get more children excited about exercise at a young age so we can hook them for life, instead of alienating those ‘less talented’ at the outset? I wonder what our childhood obesity and diabetes rates might look like then?