To say that sports are big in America would be an understatement. It’s estimated that over 45 million kids play at least one organized sport. Sadly, about 80% of athletes quit by the age of 15. Why is that?

Some kids simply get burned out. If the child starts playing as early as 3 or 4, they are much more likely to grow tired of the sport. Some parents believe that if you don’t start them that young, they will be behind by the time they are 7-8. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it is true. However, there is no evidence to support the myth that children that start sports earlier will be better in the long run. Anyone that has ever played a sport knows it is just as much mental as it is physical. Therefore, they have to want it. The desire to play and get better cannot be taught, really. It can be modeled, somewhat, but it mainly it comes from within. So, starting a child out earlier in a sport will not make them have this inner desire. It would seem quite the opposite, actually. The longer you make them wait, the more excited they will be to play. The more they will work to prove to you they want to play. Now, I am not saying to keep kids from playing sports when they are young. My young kids play sports. I am simply saying, do not force it and make it their main priority. Let them have fun with it rather than making it so serious. There will be plenty of time for that later.

Also, studies have proven that athletes that participate in more than one sport are more versatile and better overall athletes. A great way to make your kid a good athlete is to let them try many different sports. Have them pick different activities every season. Personally, I have always limited my kids to one sport per season, but that’s probably because I have too many kids to let them all play several sports. Any parent can tell you that it is just as much of a commitment to them as it is the player….well, pretty close anyway. By trying out different sports, they may find they have a niche for something else that you hadn’t even thought of.

Regardless of what sport your child plays, never allow them to quit. What message would that send? I remember when I was a kid that my mom always made me finish what I started. She would say that I made a commitment and needed to fulfill it. It didn’t matter if I didn’t like it or wasn’t on a good team, I had to finish what I started. Think of the valuable life lessons that is instilling in your child.

When you have a child in sports, be a good role model. Sometimes I look back and think about how lucky I was that my mom didn’t know much about sports. She was there to cheer me on and never forced them on me. In return, it was on me to be good. I played because I liked them. I wanted to be the best because I was competitive. The only thing she had a hand in doing was cheering me on and paying for it really! Obviously, without her support, I wouldn’t have been able to play sports and have the opportunities I did. Thanks mom!

Now, for all you naysayers that think sports are horrible, let your kid try them. Just because they weren’t your thing doesn’t mean it’s not theirs. Participation in sports is associated with a range of physical, emotional, social, educational, and other benefits. Sports are a great way for kids to get exercise, and an active brain learns better too! Sports can help kids to be more confident, learn to work with others, build relationships, and more. Clearly, sports are not for everyone, but if a kid wants to try something, you should let them give it a chance. I am sure glad my mom did that for me!

This article is dedicated to all of the wonderful Jenks student-athletes!