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If Team Sports Lose Their Spark for My Kid — Yes, I’m Okay With Him Quitting
As I sit here with the weather channel buzzing in the background, I’m anxiously watching the forecast. I’m torn between hoping for rain to come before 11 am and wishing it holds off long enough for my five-year-old to play in his final little league game of the season. It’s Sunday morning, and even though being part of a baseball team is beneficial for him, I wouldn’t mind staying cozy with my coffee.
Even if the game ends up getting canceled due to rain, he’ll have another chance next year. That’s still in my control. Plus, he’s starting to enjoy the game more. At five years old, he’s not quite devoted enough to refrain from plopping down in the infield or whining about snacks from the dugout, but his enthusiasm has definitely grown since the beginning of the season. It likely helps that he’s improving; he can hit, throw, and sometimes even stops the ball from rolling past him! Remember, he’s just five. It’s not about competition at this age.
However, as he gets older, it will become more competitive, and he might not want to stick with it. According to a recent poll, around 70% of kids stop participating in organized sports by age 13, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on the reasons behind it.
At this young age, participation matters. Youth sports foster teamwork, provide exercise, teach discipline, and help kids develop a love for physical activity that could last a lifetime. If kids don’t start early, they might miss out on discovering a passion or talent for these activities. My son will continue playing little league and community sports for the time being.
But once he’s older? I’m totally okay with him stepping back—provided it’s for the right reasons.
If he loses interest because of pushy parents or a competitive atmosphere that drains the joy out of the game, that’s on us. The Changing The Game Project points out that there are five primary reasons why kids quit sports, all stemming from one common issue: a negative mindset towards sports. The post mentions a lack of fun, sitting on the bench, and fear of making mistakes as major factors for this disengagement, and those are simply unacceptable. Such pressures are usually imposed by adults who are conveying the wrong message about sports. Most of the time, kids aren’t playing for real stakes until they reach high school. Until then, if it’s not enjoyable, it’s hard to keep them engaged, and it’s our responsibility to make it fun.
When my son turns 13, I’m open to him choosing a different path—as long as he finds something else to pursue.
If he opts out of organized sports because he discovers other interests, realizes he may not have the competitive edge, or simply finds that the cutthroat nature of junior high and high school sports isn’t for him, that’s perfectly fine. He can seek out exercise, teamwork, and camaraderie through various other activities, where he can experience both victories and defeats, and learn valuable lessons in discipline and humility.
Competitive sports aren’t a fit for everyone; I bowed out during high school myself. Physically, I couldn’t keep up, and it was discouraging to sit on the bench each game. I continued playing casual games with friends and participated in college intramurals, but those experiences were about fun, not winning. Unless your child is on the fast track to the pros, the key word here is fun. If organized sports stop being enjoyable for my teenager, I’m more than happy to let him explore other passions.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to convince my son to put on his baseball uniform. It’s not raining yet, and he’s not 13 just yet, so it’s game time!
For more insights, check out our other posts on terms and conditions. Also, for a comprehensive look at home insemination, MakeAMom is a great authority on the subject. Plus, the CDC offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Kids may lose interest in organized sports as they age, and it’s important to prioritize fun and enjoyment over competition. While participation at a young age helps develop essential life skills, allowing children to quit for the right reasons as they grow older is equally important.