Question

Some parents build their children’s lives around sports and place a high premium on the successes their children achieve in sports. Such parents often enroll their kids in sports programs when they are in preschool and continue to encourage their involvement in sports through high school and beyond. Many of these parents justify their position by equating success on the playing field with success in the real world. They also cite the benefits of sports to support their decisions: improving physical fitness, building lasting friendships, and acquiring life skills, such as persistence and teamwork. In light of this phenomenon, discuss the benefits and drawbacks to parental involvement in their children’s sports lives. When do parents cross the line between healthy encouragement to prepare their children for success and pushing them to succeed at all costs? (please help....just a small paragraph needed)

Answer 1

Answer: Sports is a good thing for some children because of self-esteem issues. Confidence can also be built for the children and this is important for the future. By participating in sports, children learn to set goals. However, healthy encouragement is a great thing for kids, but only if the children want to continue playing. If the parents are doing this for their own benefit because they played sports or they wanted to play at that age, the line has been crossed.

Answer 2

Well, in light of this phenomenon, I believe that enrolling kids in sports at a young age is great for developemental skills and keeping active, however as they age into their adolesence and teen years the child should be able to choose whether or not they would like to stay in sports.  While sports may help them make friends, stay active, and learn important teamwork skills... this isn't the only option.  There are many extra curriculars such as band, debate team, choir, FFA, etc. that build those skills as well.  And although encouraging children to succeed is vital.. im not sure it should be pushed at all costs. I draw the line when this kind of pressure may be damaging to the childs mental and/or physical well being.