As I sit here with the weather channel on in the background, watching the rain clouds roll in, I find myself in a predicament. It’s Sunday morning, and I’m hoping the rain holds off long enough for my five-year-old, Jake, to enjoy his final little league game of the season. While I know that being part of a baseball team brings him valuable benefits, I wouldn’t mind staying cozy with my coffee if the game gets rained out.
If the game does get canceled, he’ll have more opportunities next year, and I still have a say in that. Lately, he seems to be enjoying it more; he’s five, after all. He occasionally sits down in the infield or asks for snacks from the dugout, but he’s starting to show improvement. He can hit, throw, and even stop a ball from rolling past him! At this age, it’s not about competition; it’s about having fun.
As he grows older, the competitive aspect will inevitably come into play. He might be among the 70% of children who stop playing organized sports by age 13, as highlighted by a recent survey. However, I believe that’s perfectly acceptable, depending on the circumstances.
At this young age, participation matters. Youth sports offer essential lessons in teamwork, exercise, and discipline. They provide the first taste of physical activity that may shape his interests for years to come. If he doesn’t start early, he may miss the chance to nurture a passion for sports. Therefore, Jake will continue playing in the little league and other recreational sports for the foreseeable future.
But once he hits his teenage years, I will support his decision to step back—provided he has valid reasons. If he loses interest due to overbearing parents or a hyper-competitive culture that drains the joy from the game, that’s a reflection of adults misguiding him. The Changing The Game Project outlines that many kids quit sports due to a lack of enjoyment, being benched, or fear of making mistakes—none of which should be the case. Until high school, if it’s not fun, it will be challenging to keep kids engaged, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have a good time.
When Jake turns 13, I will be open to him exploring other interests, as long as he remains active in some capacity. If he discovers new passions or realizes he isn’t as competitive as his peers, that’s perfectly fine. There are many ways for him to find exercise, teamwork, and camaraderie outside of organized sports.
Not everyone thrives in competitive athletics; I stepped away from sports in high school when I found myself sitting on the bench more often than not. While I didn’t stop playing casual games with friends or intramurals in college—because those were about enjoyment, not winning—competitive sports isn’t for everyone. Unless a child is on the path to professional sports, the focus should be on having fun. Should organized sports cease to be enjoyable for my teenager, I will gladly support his pursuit of happiness elsewhere.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to persuade Jake to get into his baseball uniform. The rain hasn’t arrived yet, and he’s not 13, so we’re still in the game!
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Summary
This article discusses the importance of allowing children to enjoy organized sports without pressure. It emphasizes the need for fun and participation at a young age while acknowledging that as kids grow older, they may choose to step back from competitive sports for various reasons. Ultimately, supporting kids in finding their own passions is crucial.