She’s only 20 months old and has just only been able to master her coordination to run straight and at times not so straight. Are the days of playing in the sandbox and with dolls a thing of the past? I don’t think so!
It seems that many younger children are gearing up to play soccer, baseball, hockey, basketball and even football. Parents throughout the country sign their toddlers up for programs that teach them how to dribble a basketball, shoot a goal, swing a bat, catch a ball, or at least attempt to do these things. Sports programs with titles such as T-ball, super-biddy basketball, Lil’ Kickers, peewee hockey and football, and so on and so forth. Think about it; some of these munchkins are barely walking yet, but kicking a soccer ball.
Doctor Ed Laskowski, co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, says, “When kids are 3, 4, and 5 years old, it’s important for them to develop the fundamental elements of how we move and develop coordination.”
He goes on to say, “That’s why free play is great because kids move in all different ways and learn balance and stability. When you slot them into training specific motions at such a young age, they might not be getting as much variety in their play.”
Other factors to consider: Some mental health experts say the rules, structure and independent thinking required for sports may also not be developmentally suitable for kids younger than 5 years old. Well-known family psychotherapist and author Fran Walsh, from Beverly Hills, California has her opinion.
She says, “During the toddler phase, 2-and 3-year-olds are very egocentric. They are not ready to master sharing, taking turns and delayed gratification, so to put them on a sports team is to invite unnecessary stress and conflict.”
I do not agree with that theory because I feel it helps them learn to cope by dealing with others. Proponents of toddler sports and pre-sports programs say that when designed correctly these classes, instructional camps and leagues can be fun, challenging and help children with coordination.
What these mini-sports programs do for kids is keep them active. We are in an age when kids get hooked on computer and video games and childhood obesity is alarmingly on the rise. Why is getting them to run around with kids their own age a bad thing—not to mention the social benefit of these activities? Some school districts are cutting physical education and sports programs because of tight budgets. In those parts of the nation, the appeal for parents to sign their kids up for biddy and peewee leagues becomes obvious. What happens to the families who cannot afford to pay for sports programs? Their children are left without the experience and benefit that these programs have to offer.
If these sports are not being shoved down the throats of these babies, it will not harm them to participate and enjoy the fun of playing sports while developing friendships as they grow. In today’s world, sports programs are competing with technology, so it is important to get them on the fields, the courts and in the gyms. The keyword here is “fun,” and each individual will develop at his or her own pace. Parents need to accept that the progression is different with each child. Parents must see the benefits of childhood interaction and not have a future plan for a possible athletic scholarship. It’s not too early to start learning and playing sports. There is more to be gained than not.
To the parent: don’t get frustrated if your child is not playing up to your hopeful expectations. Just let them go and watch your daughter or son enjoy the activity of playing with his or her friends.
It will be fun for all!
