[onewhippedpuppy]

Should I go dig up the converse thread about how the damn kids only play on their devices all day long?

I’ve never forced my kids to play a sport. My rules are that they can’t quit once they have started and that they give it their best. Oldest was competitive baseball, rec basketball, and tackle football until his now freshman year when he dropped back to just football. He just told me that he might pick up lacrosse to stay in shape. My daughter does competitive gymnastics and just told us that she is trying out for the school cheer team next year. Youngest son is 8 and does flag football, rec baseball, and is starting practice for a competitive basketball team this fall. These have all been their choices, not mine. I’m fortunate that they all have found activities that they are passionate about that should carry them through high school. I personally wasn’t involved in anything except drinking beer in high school and it was a terrible experience, I expect all of my kids to be involved in SOMETHING. Don’t care what.

Also, for those who don’t currently have kids, I hate to tell you but youth sports have changed dramatically. If your kid isn’t playing in a competitive league early, they won’t have a chance at playing at the varsity level. There are exceptions for freak talents but overall that’s reality. My oldest is an exceptional athlete but is far enough in basketball that he won’t catch up, hence why he’s not even trying out. He played rec ball while other kids were playing competitive and they are just too far ahead.