First time mom here and I haven’t ever been athletic. My husband plays all sorts of sports and wants to get our 4 year old into stuff but I just don’t get it. Are sports actually good for kids? I feel like they can build a community and be active in other ways that don’t injure them or take loads of time away from family. Since my husband has always been athletic he obviously disagrees.
79 Likes
It’s good for the kids. Kids will get hurt regardless of a sport or not. Just keep an eye on him. You can’t shield him or her forever. Let them take that energy out. It pays out in the long run
try soccer maybe or ask the kid what he wants to try
Great for kids teaches them a lot
1 Like
Don’t think of it as taking time away from family think of it as something you do as a family.
8 Likes
I think it’s great for kids to be apart of something. They learn so much and get to make friends and socialize. Try different ones until they find one they love.
4 Likes
They are great for kids! Not only do they keep them active, they teach them to work as a team and knowing win or lose, you tried you’re best. My 8 year old son loves sports, baseball being his favorite. He plays soccer, football, everything he can.
2 Likes
I find it to be good character building, confidence building, finding a hobby they can do to form close friendships as they grow, responsibility building, accountability building… so many different things that they may not get on a regular basis say just going to the park and making friends. As a teen it kept me away from falling into the wrong crowd when peer pressure hit and such and kept my grades up so I wouldn’t lose out on my sport horse back riding/competing. We have our 5 and 3 year old involved in sports once they turn 3 so they can try everything under the sun to see what suits them, plus they love it and have such a sense of accomplishment when they master something or try something new.
1 Like
Sports doesn’t take from family’s if you all are together! Sports are great for anyone nothing wrong with them. My 5 yr old had been in swimming since he’s been 4 months; he loves it! He’s in Soccer now also. And he bowls in a lil league. It beats having them inside playing nothing but games eating junk food! 
8 Likes
It helps with learning to work as a team and gaining leadership skills at the same time. They learn to take constructive criticism well from authoritative figures also. And depending on the child, it’s just all around fun and can be used as a stress reliever later in life.
1 Like
Sports builds self confidence, playing well with others, compassion for others. Sports are amazing!!! Every child needs to find what they like. They build strength, stamina, coordination and the list goes on
1 Like
For my daughter is helps her stay in shape, she pays attention better at school, teaches her how to be on a team, helps build a good work ethic, not to mention how great it is for her socially. I think sports are really great for kids. Sports can be a family activity! Get involved, coach or assistant coaches are always needed, bring snacks, help the other moms do activities for the team. My daughter and I love doing dance stuff together. It’s a huge part of our family.
4 Likes
I have 5 kids - my kids are ALL involved in something! Basketball, cheer, football, track, soccer etc I was brought up always involved so maybe it’s because of that but there is no way I wouldn’t have my kids involved. I actually tell my kids they have to do something aside from school! I have never looked at it as taking away from family because in my opinion you enter an entire family with whatever team you join! It teaches kids to be active, social, responsibility, respect, patience, fairness, to work hard and so so so much more!
3 Likes
It’s great for teamwork and having a sense of accomplishment. Teamwork is essential in the adult world
3 Likes
All three of my sons played sports. It’s great for kids. They learn so much. It keeps them occupied and helps them make lifelong friends. It can get time consuming depending on the sport they play. I’ve spent many hours at a football field or a basketball court, and I enjoyed every minute of cheering my sons on!
3 Likes
I feel the same…always thought it was because I’m an older mom!! My 10 year old stays super busy, but not necessarily with sports!
They learn what it means to b a team among may other things not all injuries r from sports ! U sound a bit selfish not wanting to at least let him
Participate if he doesn’t like it he doesn’t have to do it again but let him try
5 Likes
It teaches team building, communication, socialization, discipline, and persistence. Sports are great for kids and their growth.
5 Likes
Less likely to drink or drug in teen years.
2 Likes
Yes especially weight control and self control
2 Likes
Hiking or swimming with family is always nice. I’d avoid football due to all the brain injuries.
1 Like
I’ve always felt the same as you but just prayed the physical activity paid off for them in staying fit and healthy. What I find though is that they get out of shape between seasons so their fitness is based on sports. My biggest concern is that they choose for themselves and not their dad.
1 Like
My 3 year old love tball. Sports doesn’t take from family time, my husband and my kids all go to tball practice, etc and my youngest claps and screams for his brother. Be involved.
2 Likes
Yes they’re good. I’ve played my entire life, I’ll be 38 next week. My kids have played too… not only is it healthy physical wise, but it opens up a bunch of opportunities for possible scholarships and athletic opportunities… it also helps with socializing, making new friends, learning to work as a team, work with others etc builds confidence, muscle, coordination… the possibilities and positives are endless.
My grandsons is 6. He plays hockey and football. My 3 year old grandson also plays hockey. Sorts ate a great way to learn discipline and manners and how to work as a team.
1 Like
I’ve never been athletic never had the time, since I had to pretty much raise myself since I was 6… (with only my grandparents support, and “dads” support as in groceries and a roof over my head)… my husband played sports… Now our son who is 6 just finished his first baseball season… it don’t take a lot of time away… it took 2 maybe 2 1/2 hours a week and that was all… it helps them learn how to work with a team, and a lot of other things… plus helps them get some energy out… sports are a good thing… you never know you could have the next major league player… gets a full ride to college and all… if you are worried about injury then avoid physical sports like foot ball… hockey… but heck even tennis there is a chance for injury… just help your child stretch before doing any sport and that will help a lot….
1 Like
Sports build bonds with friends, it keeps them busy and out of trouble, it’s good exercise and will teach them that winning or losing they still have each other. I would rather see a child tired from practice than on their butts with electronics in their hands.
3 Likes
Sense of belonging, learn to take direction, team work, self pride in achievement, setting goals, releases endorphins, forms a “brotherhood/sisterhood”, parents take pride in watching their child… I can go on. I was a sporty kid and the feeling I get watching my son play is amazing.
My 3 sons took Tae Kon Do for many years. My oldest son earned his 3degree black belt.
My husband and I are still very proud of him. Sons 2&3 played
football. My daughter competed in all star cheer for 14 years. All kids are healthy. Sports take up all spare time. Sports are expensive but worth it !!!
1 Like
I never played sports as a kid either I’m not athletic at all but I feel like it would have kept my bad ass out of trouble as a teen lol
Sports and sports teams will teach your child in more ways than you think. Responsibility, , respect, teamwork, dedication, raise self esteem, etc. Best thing I’ve ever done is allow my kids to become athletes.
1 Like
I feel like children in sports always bring families together 
Sports can be very beneficial for children. They learn so much.
1 Like
It helps them learn teamwork, discipline that go along with sports so responsibility for actions, eye and hand coordination, and many other things.
I was in colorguard and as much as people say it’s not a sport it very much is. I went to practices, and everything. Our guard was so big there were 40+ members biggest high school group around here by far! And you make TONS of friends while doing it, friendships that can last a lifetime, scholarships, a career, keeps them healthy and fit, I say do it! It’s better then letting them sit at home on the couch and be a couch potato. I’d go back an do it in a heartbeat! Let them do it and if they don’t like it then yeah let them drop out and not go back but let then make that choice not you.
1 Like
Both my kids do karate & soccer it’s good for them especially in winter months. Also gives them a sense of accomplishment & team work, respect, discipline
Best sport for beginners is definitely SOCCER. You need shoes and shorts& shirt. Shin pads That’s it. Ño expensive gear, sticks ,gloves etc
Sports are a great way for kids to get exercise, to build friendships with other kids, and help them build social skills for the future. It also helps them with emotional development, in the sense that it helps them combat depression and frustration and anger by giving them an outlet. It helps them to learn how to schedule their time, to learn how to prepare for setting goals and reaching them. It helps them learn good sportsmanship, which is a great tool for later in life.
Yes, there is a risk of injury when playing sports … just as there are risks of injury with just about every activity you can participate in … but being active in sports helps to build stronger bodies.
Yes, it can be a hassle for parents who work full time jobs to keep up with the sports schedules of their kids … but family involvement and support is so important. These are activities that you share as a family that create lasting memories that can’t be replaced. Think of it as an investment in your child’s life. What you are saying to your child when you get them involved in sports is that you care about them enough to want to spend time with them & help them grow as a person. You’re helping them build self esteem & character, and teaching them that any goal is achievable if they work hard to make it happen.
As with anything … if you’re scared your child is going to get hurt doing something, teach them the rules, & the right way to do things. You don’t just wake up one morning and decide you’re going to run a cross country race. You prepare & train & learn what’s involved first. Then you build up to the race.
Soccer, and my sons played floor hockey in the winter, and baseball in the summer
I come from a big sport family so we always went to games hung out and goofed around
Teaches team work, socialization, coordination, discipline, respect, manners, leadership skills. Sports can be very beneficial for kids.
1 Like
“Are they actually good for kids” 
3 Likes
Team work, exercise, friendships, how to be social and deal with peers, discipline, learning new skills, how to time manage, how to set goals, how to be told what to do by someone else, the list goes on and on
1 Like
Sports are definitely a positive thing. Not only does it provide them with a healthy activity, but it teaches them lessons. They will have to learn about respect, and other authoritative figures aside from their parents, teamwork, dedication, HUMBLENESS, integrity, plus it’s an opportunity to make new friends.
5 Likes
There’s nothing wrong with your kid being fit, active and finding a hobby.
It teaches so much more then fitness.
I was very active as a child. Tap, ballet, netball. My biggest regret as an adult is giving all that up
My 19 yr old son isn’t real big on sports. He played tball when he was little for 2 years but got out of it, it wasn’t his thing…he went on to play the trombone in his middle school and high school years and competed a lot against other schools, other trombone players etc. He excelled in music/arts.
My youngest son, he’s 6, is all about sports, he’s been in tball since he was 3 and just completed his first year of baseball, he loves to swim, just finished swimming lessons and hopefully put him on a swim team next year (if he wants) he wants to play football when he’s old enough which is right around the corner.
It doesn’t matter what you or Dh want your kid to do because in the end, he will choose what he wants to do whether it be music/arts or baseball/football, heck, he could want to do it all🤷♀️ my advice, support the child no matter what he does. And don’t force anything on him…
I was never much of an athlete but I am a huge advocate for youth sports. Sports help kids stay active, teaches then about teamwork, and keeps keep them focused. In middle and high school especially sports keep kids engaged with school since you can’t play school sports if you don’t keep grades up. It also keeps kids on the right path and out of trouble. Kids who are members of sports teams are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol because those things will get you kicked off the team. Also for a parent there’s nothing more exciting than watching your child excel at a sport. Two of my three teenagers are athletes and we love what it brings to our family. My oldest child got injured in middle school and had to take a break from his sport and never went back to it. He is now 18 and regrets not continuing after he healed.
1 Like
sports, activities, band, clubs, scouts, social activities that are healthy, are “good for” children. Some kids are going to prefer the piano, some are gonna prefer the sports, some will do better with arts. There’s also nothing wrong with a kid that just wants to be a kid, and not do anything other than go to school, read a book, do chores, and go to bed. Most kids will have a desire to do something extra, but it shouldn’t be what the parents interests are…
1 Like
Total football mom here. I apologize in advance if I come off as defensive. First, sports doesn’t take away family time, you are all in it together. Whatever sport the child is in, the family is there, you feel that win, that loss, that pride, every minute, the entire family feels it. Yes, you can stay fit & build community in other ways. But, starting now, your child will be in that sport with these other kids until they graduate. 14 years of friendship, laughter, tears, strength, defeat. Parents come together & build relationships too. And speaking of parents, you gain more kids, you run your ass off 10x more, you become a true village to meet the needs of the team. It’s a great feeling. By volunteering you show you your child to participate in community, give back & show them you care. The time it takes to volunteer can get overwhelming and it’s not possible for all parents all the time. Do what you can & support as much as you can. Sports are good for kids.
This right here I would have Googled! Now your going to get nothing but a bunch of are you serious are sports good for kids lmao
3 Likes
My boys play basketball, baseball, soccer and football. It’s been great. I have meet people that are now like family. It helps keep them active and busy
1 Like
It all just depends on how you portray it to them. If you make it about commitment and team work/spending time with friends/ ect then it’s great. Don’t over do it and have a good balance you’ll be fine. It’s actually great family time going and supporting them in their games.
1 Like
Sports teach teamwork, and it’s good way to get them exercise and they learn social skills. You can’t just keep kids in a bubble. I wouldn’t force it on them down the line but at least having them try things is good
1 Like
You do not pick and choose what your child’s interests are. You ask them what they’re interested in and support them in whatever they want to do
2 Likes
If you have to ask you won’t and don’t understand
1 Like
They can be good for kids. They get exercise, learn about teamwork and helps with their social skills… They also learn different skills depending on which sport they decide to play (depending if it’s soccer, baseball, football, track and field, etc.).
I, personally, will not force it on them, but if they wanted to join a sport, I’ll let them join.
You are correct. Team sports aren’t the only ways to teach the things people list as positives for sports. I played soccer for many years including on a competitive traveling team. I found skaters and BMXers to be far more inclusive supportive and disciplined than the teams I played with.
My daughter does competition dance and I see far more value in that.
Builds character. Health. Leadership and teamwork skills. Social skills. List goes on and on
We started with tball at 4 yrs old. We are trying soccer in the Fall and we’ll play tball again next Spring. Just let them try different sports.
I loved sports you learn so much. Team work is a a huge thing you learn. We learned you dont always win and its ok as long as you tried we didnt all get trophies. I cant wait my daughter finally asked to sign up for soccer. I have waited till asked i didnt want to push. I understand family thing though because i played and my siblings so i never got both parents at many games just one or the other. But if you can plan it where multiple kids are on same fields and different times works out. Makes for fun time outside practicing with them memories they will enjoy later in life. My parents knew nothing about 
which was my choice over 
and it was so fun to learn it with them/them learn it with me. Sports are not for everyone and thats ok just give the kids a chance if they want. Best of luck to yalls family in what works for yall
I think sports are good for kids I was threw into gymnastics and cheerleading as soon as I could be and I grew up moving it I let my girls start school and then let them decide if they wanted to do anything
Teaches determination, how to handle the good with the bad, and work together as a team.
I’m 27 and some of the greatest lessons were learned on the court 
Let him do what he wants. Yes introduce him to all of them, but he will pick just what he wants…or he might not like any.
It’s good for them to learn and get that energy out lol and not all sports are dangerous especially for little ones. My niece and nephew have been in soccer and baseball and dance. I cant wait to put my babies into something. They will know what they like once they get into it. I was never into sports or anything like that but I want my kids to experience it and have fun.
Sports are a great vehicle to teach kids fair play, team efforts, sportsmanship, these lessons if presented right by a coach will transfer over to real life. Along with self reliance!!!
I think sports are great for kids. Not only the exercise part but builds discipline. And once they get older and start playing school sports, you have to keep your grades up to stay on the team and be a respectful student. So I think there are many benefits to children and sports. Especially if they end up loving sports and sticking to them.
We didn’t want to force sports on our kids, but they needed some sort of outside discipline. We also are 100% unavailable on weekends due to work. We let them picked boy scouts or karate. They picked karate.
Our little one enjoyed soccer and basketball. They learn the fundamentals of the sport. Not one injury in the few weeks they played. He…they really enjoyed the learning.
1 Like
I put my children in a variety of sports around that age and as they grew they leaned more towards one of two of them. I also had them play in either the orchestra or band as well. I believe that sports gives them an outlet, keeps them busy, teaches them team work, dedication and hard work it also encourages keeping up with good grades in school and being responsible and accountable. These are things we treach at home but its a way to put it into practice outside the home. It also helps them socialize with kids that share the same interests. I personally grew up poor and I found that the kids who did sports had a greater chance of graduating, not getting into trouble with the law or doing recreational drugs or thinking they’re a gang member 
. No I’m not saying that sports guarantees these things but it helps keep them on a positive track.
Sports are a great way for your child to learn social skills ! Also , team support and
Participation , winning and learning how to lose . The friends he and YOU and your spouse will make last a lifetime ! I am not a sports fan but so miss the days of watching my boys play ! I’d do it all over again if I could !
1 Like
Extracurriculars generally are positive for children, may they be sports, or scouts, or clubs… expose them to a variety of options then pursue those activities they enjoy most. Sports have physical activity as a bonus. I would try it, but if the child is adamant they don’t enjoy it after a season, move on & try something else.
1 Like
The absolute number one best thing you could ever do for your child is to get them in sports at as early an age as possible. It teaches them SO MUCH. From healthy activity to how to both win and lose graciously to how to work as a team and support and uplift others to discipline and dedication. My 10 year old son placed 5th at nationals for wrestling this year. He started at 4 years old. When he was that little he also played t-ball, basketball, and soccer. When he got to be old enough we added in football. His football team also made it to nationals last year. We don’t really do an off season. Winter is wrestling, then into basketball, spring is baseball, and then summer is conditioning for football in the fall which leads straight back into wrestling. He dropped soccer after a few seasons as he wasn’t really into it. He has gotten to travel so much for sports and has had so many amazing experiences that he will never forget and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I don’t care what activities you put them in or how many, they will never get as much out of it as they will from competitive athletics.
2 Likes
Is this an actual question? Great for every aspect of development.
Physically keep them active, socially gets them involved and meet new people. Rules/boundaries are great for language/cognitive development.
Emotionally its also great as it helps them grow in confidence, self asteem. Gives them a sense of pride and achievement.
Also there are sooooooo much more benefits to playing sports. 
2 Likes
My kids love playing soccer!
When I was a kid I had the time of my life playing soccer
As long as your child wants to do it and isnt being forced to do it then there is nothing wrong with it. Its really good exercise and can build confidence for your child. And as far as it taking time away from family, it doesn’t have to. It can actually be a great activity for you all to enjoy together. I hate sports but when my kids were little they wanted to play softball and baseball and they loved it for a couple years and now my daughter takes dance classes and nothing brings me more joy then when I see my baby girl excel at something she loves.
1 Like
Simply ask your child if they want to or not. If they do, go for it, if they don’t, respect it.
2 Likes
All my kids started hockey and soccer from the time they could. Some dropped soccer for baseball but hockey stayed. Why?
Team building
Teaching them commitment
Teaching them you win and lose
Teaching them life long friendship
Teaching them although they are exhausted they can keep going
Physical activity is important
Life long friendships
For kids and parents
Net working
Opportunity
Work ethic
Self control
Multi task
Controlling your emotions
Finding a passion a love
Drive determination
My favourite the time alone in the care to and from. #iknownoreaboutmy16yearoldthenmostparentsknowbecauseofroadtrips
And I can keep going
6 Likes
I mean It is exercise but if my kid didn’t want to I wouldn’t force them. I mean there’s also dance classes, gymnastics, ballet, or yoga if you’re scared about them getting hurt.
1 Like
Not every kid is meant for sports…theirs other ways to get out and get exercise do what works for you and your family
Sports keep kids active. It helps with activity levels, socialization.social cues etc. my mom put us in sports because “it wore us out and gave her a chance to breathe” lol 
my little has SOO much energy, she will DEFINITELY be in some sort of sport to wear her down lol they also sleep better when in sports. My dad always said sports teach kids discipline,sportsmanship and teamwork.
2 Likes
They need exercise to burn off stored energy. If not, they will become destructive and horrible. My 4 year old is in dance to learn bridges and rolls. Also good stretching warm ups. She is getting taller so i want her body to be as fit and healthy as possible.
When they’re little is the time to try out all sorts of activities including sports to see what kids enjoy. To keep from it taking over your lives, set boundaries. Only one sport at a time, alternate between a sport and other activities, find the coaches who fit your child (competitive vs just for fun, gentle vs disciplined, focused on safety more than skills, for example). You might be surprised at what your child responds to though!
Sadly, we can’t just send out kids to play at the local field or sandlot without supervision like in the 1950s, so organized sports are what we have. With practice and equipment and flag vs full contact football, it’s pretty safe until they get to elite levels.
At the age of 4. Sport is more about learning coordination skills (especially for kids that have major growth spurts), learning to listen to other grown ups you dont grow up with, making friends, and learning basic basic rules of the game. I played soccer, volleyball, basketball, and took 3 dance classes ( most from 4 yrs old and up) I honestly believe sports helped me alot growing up.
Sports help your kids academically not just physically also and they don’t need sports to be active. There’s dance too. 
Are we being punked?
5 Likes
I don’t care for sports, if my kids ask to do them I will of course take them but I’m not going to force them
Yes, it’s extremely good for them.
Dear god let your kids try things with your husband. If they don’t like it, cool, move on and try something else. Then you enroll them in an art class or dance or whatever.
Sports creates friendships, and promotes a healthy active lifestyle. My son has climbed rock walls since he was like 6. My oldest has done tumbling classes, cheer, cross country, and is now focused on track going into high school. And my youngest (8) is a competitive gymnast, takes a tumble class, and dance lessons. Later down the road, those sports can also lead to scholarships.
I didnt get to do anything that cost my family money because we were so poor. Now im a bitch. Is it related? Maybe lol
I just did tiny tot t ball for my 3 year old and she loved it. There were kids playing who did not love it. . It was maybe a 7 week commitment. 45 minutes practice Thursday, an hour game on Saturday. I wouldn’t force her, but I’m so glad she got to do it.
Sports are a great way to get your child interacting with other children. Also being active is healthy. Not everyone gets injured in sports. Hell, I’m a girl and from middle through high school I took up wrestling.
1 Like
I was never athletic growing up but I always offered sports to my kids and they’ve all played since 4/5 years old.
My oldest was never interested in sports. Someone tried to push him into wrestling as a preteen. He didn’t want to do it. Later as an older teen he got into martial arts. It gave him something other than school to focus on. A sense of being so to speak. It also helped get jobs. If you don’t want them in sports scouts, church groups or other types of groups may fill that void.
1 Like
if the child is interested it teaches them team work, how to think beyond themselves, how to play by rules, how to accpet and get to know other children with other backgrounds. if the child is not into the sport these same things can be learned through other groups. These are valuable skills. My step son learned all these skills and more in chess club, sports isn’t every child’s interest but a group setting with definite rules and other children are so valuable.
1 Like
I can’t say that there good for you as a fact, but they do keep kids active in something rather than nothing. If anything it was alot of fun when I played softball…It built my confidence as a kid and I also met some really good friends that I’m still friends with today. It could be a good thing for a kid, and help them stay engaged and active…
As well as all of the comments highlighting health, excerise also releases happy hormones, gived children discipline and the attutude of practice makes perfect, not to give up in the face of adversity and research also suggests that children who are apart of sports teams are less likely to undertske risky behaviours and be groomed into gangs!/ ce when their older
My son loves sports. He started around 4, and he’s 10 now. Baseball in the summer, hockey in the winter. It’s an amazing way for them to be active, but more than that (especially with hockey) it’s the friendships and life lessons they learn. His teammates are his winter family, the bond they have is amazing. It also has helped him learn a lot of valuable life lessons. How to win and lose with grace, how to be part of a team, how to have respect for his coaches, and so much more! I really believe he wouldn’t be the amazing kid he is today without his sports!
1 Like