How Young is Too Young for Organized Sports?

Few will disagree that participating in sports has benefits at any age. However, in these days when parents and kids are over-scheduled, pushing organized sports on may cause additional stress. Physical therapists at centers for sports therapy NYC will also tell you that starting your child too young may pose health and physical development problems as well.

What is the Appropriate Age for Sports?

There was a time when it was thought the younger, the better, especially when the parent has hopes of raising a pro. Little girls routinely started ballet or gymnastics at three and pee-wee football or soccer leagues are still popular. Experts now recommend that sports with a higher risk of injury shouldn’t should started until around age eight.

The child’s maturity level should also be taken into account. Are they able to cooperate and follow instructions if you’re not around? Do they handle disappointment well or are they likely to react badly if their team loses the game or they fumble a play. Not all children are ready at the same age, even siblings. Learning to handle these things is part of life, and some deal with it better than others.

How Sporting Affects the Family

Much like school, parents and extended family members should take an interest in the activity without becoming over-involved. Thought might also be given to how the demands of being on a soccer team or attending karate class might impact school or sleep schedules. Then there’s your own schedule or your spouses. Will you be able to take your child to class or practice, cheer them on at games or attend competitions?

The Risk of Injury

Sports do have a positive impact by improving motor skills, coordination and balance. However, children at that age have softer bones, and injuries to areas of the anatomy with growth plates or the joints are common. This can cause developmental issues later. As a parent, you have to find the line between “walk it off” and being overly protective.

Who’s It Really For?

The last consideration is who does the sport really benefit? It’s one thing to encourage your child to try new things or want them to develop social and physical skills. It’s another to push them into something because you want to relive your own past glories or make up for opportunities you’ve missed. If your child seems genuinely uninterested or just doesn’t enjoy the activity, it’s okay to pull them out. They can always try again when they’re older.

Whether we were the parent or the child, many of us have wonderful memories of Saturday afternoon ballgames and other sporting activities. Getting your child involved can improve their fitness and confidence levels and bring the family together in a shared interest.