Comments on: Well-rounded isn’t just for balls

By: Chelsea

Chelsea — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:11:24 +0000

One of my kids has decided she wants to be a Mathlete. I’m all over that.

By: Alice H

Alice H — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:50:03 +0000

I think my kids would disown me if I didn’t enroll my son in soccer. After the last game of the season, they both burst into tears.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:44:16 +0000

Without our oldests scholarship to a private Christian University, A would have more than a $1900 loan to pay each year. Much, much more.

So all those 14 years in organized sports have payed off

By: Minnesotamom

Minnesotamom — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:07:12 +0000

I would never force my children to participate…it’s entirely up to them. That said, I absolutely treasure my sports experiences. I also treasure my music, writing, art and theatre experiences. I learned a lot of things playing organized sports that I couldn’t have learned playing flute or piano. There is a different kind of team-work and trust involved for performing at a game than there is during a band concert or participating in a group project for school. I am grateful for what I learned and hope that my children can learn similar lessons through whatever medium the Lord chooses to use. Whether that’s basketball, hockey (please, no!), golf, gymnastics, fencing, Girl Scouts, or Speech, I will be there to support and cheer!

By: tracey

tracey — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:21:11 +0000

Oh yes! I am so HAPPY that I “forgot” to sign my boys up for soccer this fall!! They are now taking a class each: fencing and cooking. AWESOME. 1 night a week for a month or 2 and NO SATURDAY GAMES!!!

I am giddy over the free time we have to just BE.

http://tracey-justanothermommyblog.blogspot.com/

By: Mommy Mommy Mommy

Mommy Mommy Mommy — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:41:01 +0000

My children only participate in non-competitive sports through school, which consist of one 1 hour practice a week and one 30 minute to an hour game per week. We have 5 children and luckily we have always had at least 2 children to a team. There are a few The parents sign a conduct code which includes no screaming at your kid’s team or the opposing team. Sure, there are always a few teams in the league that get carried away, but that’s life.
My children are also involved in drama, choirs, creative writing, art, and church activities. They value all their ribbons, certificates and trophies equally.
I think it is a bit judgmental and harsh to refer to hockey moms as pit-bulls. I’m sure their are some, but I am sure there are great well rounded hockey moms as well.
If a child is very interested in sports, eventually competition becomes a necessity. We all cheer for the U.S.A. teams in the Olympics, we need to appreciate the steps it takes to get there.

By: Suzanne B

Suzanne B — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:50:54 +0000

Very well said!

With six kids, I have my pick of everything.

16yo- ROTC- commanding officer
14yo- ROTC drill team/artist/writer
13yo- Sports junkie, only through the schools
7yo- Ballet/Scouts
20mo- Mommy and siblings
8mo- Mommy.. only

I love the fact that they are all through schools, I wouldn’t do it otherwise! We live in a rural area as well, so they spend a lot of time learning from one another.

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:36:07 +0000

P.S. I heart Gretchen, big time.

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:35:46 +0000

My philosophy on extra-curricular is activities is that I will let my kids try anything they want.

I think being well-rounded is giving kids the opportunity to try a lot of different activities.

We did soccer for three years and then they quit asking, so we didn’t do it anymore. My daughter asks to be in cheerleading, so that is what we do for her.

If they want to sign up for under-water-basket weaving, I will fill out the registration and sign the check.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:34:56 +0000

The majority of the families in our town are obsessed with team sports. It is so competitive that middle school teams are made up exclusively with players who have been on the “travel team” since early elementary. It’s as if they are trying to secure a college scholarship by the time their kids are ten.

My seven-year-old son has no desire to participate in team sports, and I am incredibly happy about it. I cannot imagine spending every free minute dragging him from one practice or game to another.

For now, my son enjoys riding his bike, running, swimming, hiking, and just doing things that seven-year-old boys do. He is a healthy, well adjusted child.

At some point, he may chose to participate in organized sports. My hubby and I will be supportive when/if that day comes. Until then, we will continue to encourage him to live a healthy and active lifestyle by doing things that he enjoys.