How Young Is Too Young for Sports?

With the ongoing debate around contact sports and their impact on those who play them during and even for years after their playing days are over, a lot of parents are concerned (and rightly so) about allowing their children to participate in sports. Plenty of parents are concerned about the physical and possible mental ramifications of their children participating in high-stress sports. Here's a quick look at a few things to take into consideration when you're weighing the pros and cons of signing your child up for youth sports.

Rule of Thumb

Studies have shown that children under the age of 6 should not even be participating in organized sports; instead, steer them towards general activities. A lot of people hold to the idea that putting their children in organized sports will teach them a greater sense of responsibility early in life, a level of commitment, and a host of other life lessons that your child will learn (through your tutelage) as they grow and mature. Allowing your 4-year-old to focus more on general play activities will benefit them long-term mentally and physically, as several of the motions used in competitive sports aren't natural for toddler muscles. There's nothing wrong with waiting until your child is closer to 10 years old to introduce organized sports into his or her routine. And even then, it's crucial to remind them that sports are about teamwork and fun more than the competition.

Myth Buster

Parents who allow themselves to live their lives around their three children participating in nine different sports will often defend it by saying, "We want him/her to learn about hard work and dedication." If they don't go with that, they'll talk about college scholarships and dreams of professional stardom. First of all, your child can learn lessons about hard work and dedication that they will carry with them through their lives with or without sports. Are sports a great tool? Absolutely. But so are summer jobs, chore charts, and a host of other things. You have to go with what you know is best for your child. It's also worth noting that according to the NCAA, only 2 percent of high school athletes get collegiate scholarships for athletics. You know your child, and you have his or her best interests at heart. Playing competitive sports before the age of 10 probably won't get your child into college for free.

Word of Caution

While every sport comes with a certain amount of risk, some sports, like football come with inherently more risk of physical injury. Mainstream media sources have long been covering the ongoing lawsuit and scientific studies concerning concussions and former NFL players, and it's certainly something to look into. Even without concussion symptoms, head impacts have been linked to long-term damage. It's important that you not only weigh out the risks and rewards of allowing your child to play sports but that you also make sure to stay in tune with what he or she is saying about their body's reaction to those sports.

Ultimately, youth sports aren't going anywhere, and they shouldn't. They do teach life lessons, they do develop skill sets, and they're a great mechanism for some children. However, only you and your family can decide what works best. But before making that decision, look at the research and make sure that your child is old enough and physically mature enough to safely take part.

Here’s another article you might like: Developmental Issues to Watch for in Your Child's First Months of Life