Signing Your Kids Up for Sports – A Difficult Task

    It’s like March Madness for parents. A flurry of fliers sent home with your kids and decisions to make about sports. But it’s not just about the sport.

    FOX’s Lisa Brady reports:

    Signing kids up for sports, can be a tough call for parents:

    (Hurst) “Of course physical development and sport ability is part of it.”

    But psychologist Doctor Adele Hurst says ego strength matters, too. Are they ready to learn sportsmanship and shake off negatives, like losing, a lot of bench time or injury:

    (Hurst) “As the child gets older, you want that child to be able to assess his own ability or her own abilities.”

    Until about age 11 or 12, though, she says parents should make the final decision and include some soul searching:

    (Hurst) “What comes in a lot is the parent’s desire for the child to excel in something he or she did not.”

    For kids who want a sport you don’t think they’re ready for Hurst says offer a different opportunity instead. And if they do sign up, another balancing act; commitment to the team but reassurance they can stop if they want to, which can also depend on their age.

    She says the most important thing is to have fun with your kids. Enjoy every age.

    With FOX on Family, I’m Lisa Brady.