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Early Years
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At the early levels, parents of players should be reminded not to ask, "Did you win?" but rather, "How did you play today?" Childhood obesity has become epidemic in our country children spend too many hours watching television, and physical activity is at an all-time low for far too many youngsters. So what do you do? Get them outside, teach them to have fun while they're physically active and sign them up for a team sport as soon as they can run? Yes, yes, and maybe. Team sports can be a natural avenue toward physical fitness for children and adults of all ages. It can also be a great way to teach your child a bevy of social skills - teamwork, friendship, modesty in victory and head up in defeat. But when it comes to the preschool set, there are some important factors for parents to consider first. Just because your 4-year-old meets the age requirements for the city soccer league doesn't mean he's ready to play - especially if the league is a competitive one. In fact, competitive team sports are discouraged by many health professionals for children under 8 years old. In its latest policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shies away from assigning a specific age for beginning team sports, but it does advocate certain guidelines for organized programs geared to young children. Two of the most important issues the AAP urges parents to consider when sports programs come into play are the physical abilities and maturity level of their child. Simply introducing a child to certain skills, such as running, kicking, batting and catching, doesn't mean that they can master them any sooner. Just as learning the difference between winning and losing at too early an age may generate feelings of failure and frustration, rather than good sportsmanship. "It's all a developmental process, a sequence that cannot be rushed," says Dr. Paul Stricker, a sports medicine pediatrician at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. "The most important thing for parents to look for in any preschool sports program is an emphasis on fun, not competition." A team sport like T-ball is a developmentally appropriate choice for preschoolers, says Dr. Stricker, because kids this age still work on balance control and their vision is rarely mature enough to track a moving ball. (In T-ball, kids hit a stationary ball.) Other sports like soccer, swimming and gymnastics also are popular among preschoolers because many can muster the basic skills that are required. And in swimming, they simply can enjoy the joy of getting wet on hot summer days. Just because your child can do these sports doesn't mean they're ready to compete, warns Dr. Stricker. A program that offers participation ribbons to all who "play" is probably a better choice for most youngsters than one where only a select few are recognized. Also, because preschoolers have such short attention spans, Stricker recommends team situations where the coaches promote a positive environment, guide children through show-and-tell instruction, and schedule some time for unstructured activities. There are many children's sports programs in Orange County, but not all offer such an atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions about how a program is organized before you sign your child up. At the YMCA in Placentia/Yorba Linda, all children on the "itty bitty" rosters (3- to 6-year-olds) are introduced to a team environment that promotes "efforts over results," says sports program specialist Clare McKenna. "At T-ball, every kid gets to bat, and in basketball every kid gets to shoot," she says. "But they also learn how to work as a team, to wait their turn, to give a high-five at the end of a turn and to say thank you for snack." Overzealous volunteer coaches at the YMCA are redirected to competitive leagues and parents of players are reminded not to ask, "Did you win?" but rather, "How did you play today?" There are no scores, no team standings and the focus of the program is to make kids feel good about themselves, even when they kick the ball into the other team's goal. Another thing to remember about team sports, says Dr. Reginald Washington, chairman of the AAP Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness, is that they are not a substitute for unstructured physical activity. Young children need plenty of free time to run around, jump, swing, ride bikes and do whatever else they enjoy. Assuming that a child will get enough physical activity from team sports is a common mistake made by many parents, says Dr. Washington. "Children on a team usually don't get as much activity as parents think," says Dr. Washington. "An hour at the park is usually better." Finally, just because your child says she hates soccer after the first practice, don't give up. If, however, after three or four practices she's still not enjoying herself, you may indeed need to throw in the towel. That's OK say Drs. Stricker and Washington. At this age, children should have the opportunity to experience lots of different things before they are pegged into a specific sport or activity by their parents. Maybe it's T-ball this year, and soccer next year. Just remember to let your child choose for themself. Also consider that many elite athletes report that the reason they stuck with a particular sport through the years was not because they focused on it exclusively at a young age, but moreso because they experienced a fun and encouraging environment. Michele Piazzoni is a freelance writer and mother of three living in Folsom. She is a regular contributor to The Early Years and Getting Started. To reach her: mpiazzoni@hotmail.com. RECALL ALERT Bumble Bee Toy with blue antennae: Graco Children's Products, Inc. is recalling this toy, which was sold with certain Graco high chairs and mobile entertainers as well as separately as an accessory and replacement part. The blue antennae on the toy can break and pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should contact Graco immediately at 800.258.3213 to receive a free replacement toy. Lily Pad Clacker Instruments from Kindermusik International are being recalled due to high levels of lead in the green coating on the toys, which could put children at risk of poisoning. E-mail the firm at lilypad@kindermusik.com to receive a postage-paid return box. Your product will be replaced by one of comparable value. Jack-in-the-Box toys sold by Independent Avon sales representatives and at the Avon website. Manufacturer The Learning Journey International, L.L.C., is recalling these battery-operated, red, yellow and blue toys because a spring mechanism attached to the lid can break and detach, posing a choking hazard. Call Avon toll-free at 800.445.AVON for information on how to receive instructions to remove the spring mechanism. |
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