. My oldest just finished his second season of soccer and had previously played a season of t-ball. My youngest will start soccer in the fall. In going through these seasons there are several thoughts that come to my mind:1) It's not about what sport you want them to play:
I am not a soccer fan, I don't follow it other then when the USA plays in the World Cup. I couldn't name a single player. I have always enjoyed baseball. What is interesting is that I did not enjoy my son's season of t-ball. He basically stood around in the field waiting for the ball and got up to bat twice a game. He did not learn one bit about baseball. No wonder the team would get bored and start playing in the sand. It was clear that many 5 year olds may have a problem keeping focused with so little action. On the other hand my son loved soccer, he was constantly running and the whole team was involved. I found that since he enjoyed it I enjoyed.
I played little league baseball when I was a kid and I'm sure when they are older I will let them try again if they want to, but for now they are happy with soccer and that works for me.
2) Help the coach, and recognize the good ones:
I believe the best youth sports coaches are the ones who understand that it is about the love of the game, not winning the championship. A good coach should have the knowledge to teach the game but also the understanding of the age group they are working with. Coaches that yell and scream at their teams when they are losing have no place in youth sports. I recall during one of my older sons soccer
matches the other coach trained his team to throw the ball in before the other team was ready. These were six year olds playing, what kind of sportsmanship is that teaching.3) Chances are you do not have next Hall of Famer out there:
While every pro athlete had to start somewhere the large majority of the children playing are not going to the pros. When you are watching your child play, cheer for all the kids, enjoy seeing your kid have fun and celebrate the little successes. If big success drops in, it is just an extra blessing.
4) Set priorities:
Do not lose sight of the importance of family, school , rest and health. These things are more important than winning at youth sports.
5) Make sure the league is developmentally appropriate and safe:
For example there is a proper age when it is ok for kids to learn how to head a soccer ball. Throwing a curveball in baseball
at too young an age can ruin an arm. You need to look out for your child's safety in whatever sport they are playing.6) This is a great avenue for kids to socialize and learn teamwork.
In closing I will say it brings me great pleasure watching my kids on the field, win or lose. As long as they are having fun and trying their best that is all we can hope for as parents.
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