If one were to do research on what happens in a typical household during the school year from 7 am thru 5 pm, a common theme would probably apply. The family will wake up, get dressed for the day, go to school, and return home. During that time, in most cases, food will be consumed, kids will show both positive and negative emotions, and hopefully some homework is done. However, what happens during those few hours after as well as during the weekend will dramatically differ from family to family. Despite the differences, one common denominator will rise above the rest. How that time is being spent will largely depend on the interests of the children in the house.
Some families invest a large amount of time in religious activities. Others may look to get involved in things such as band, choir, dance, or outdoor activities like camping, scouts, hunting, etc. There’s then the individual/ team sport activities that are typically the most common. Baseball, football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, etc. The latter is where the Donald family will be spending much of their time with child Number One. I have a son entering third grade who is playing three sports: soccer, basketball, and baseball. All three sports have unique or different challenges associated with them.
The sport where he’s playing at the highest competitive level is soccer, which is a pleasant surprise because I couldn’t stand the sport when younger. He’s currently playing on two club teams that are based out of the town we live in. He will be playing two full game schedules and will practice twice a week with each club. On the surface, it seems like a lot. However, the practice field is literally three minutes from our house. In addition, during the time period where this soccer season is taking place (mid-July thru the end of October), this will be the only sport he is participating in. More importantly, he’s having an absolute blast playing. Therefore, I think it will work out.
When November rolls around, he’ll play basketball. That will be the only sport he is playing. He will do that until the end of February- which will lead into baseball practices starting and spring soccer resuming. With all of the sports he is playing in, one common denominator is that he’s playing with his friends- nearly all of them who live in our town. To take it further, logistically speaking, all of the practices- and most of the games- are close to home as well.
Where I see kids getting pushed to the limit is when they are trying to go full speed ahead on multiple sports all at the same time. As I mentioned before, I’m comfortable with what my son is doing with soccer. However, if those practices took place 45 minutes away, that’s 90 less minutes my son has to himself for the evening. In addition to playing soccer, if he were also playing fall baseball, taking pitching/hitting lessons, and participating in basketball- all during the month of September- it would be too much for him.
I feel like our family has found the perfect formula in creating a great youth sport situation for our son. Overall, I feel like he is playing at an appropriate competitive level that will allow him to both be challenged and to experience success. The practice and game schedule is convenient for our family. We aren’t driving 45 minutes to a practice four times a week. Every game isn’t 40 minutes away. Our son is playing with many of his friends and we have close relationships with many of these families. When all is said and done, it isn’t the eight points or two hits or a goal that my son may remember at the end of the night. What he enjoys the most is when four of his teammates and their parents may come over to our house after the game and spend the afternoon together.
So to answer the initial question of “How much is too much”, while there will be differences from family to family, the answer can always be found through the actions and thoughts of each kid.
Next week’s topic will be about Participation Trophies – should they exist?