Looking at Things a Little Differently

My Four Grandsons

As Nick and I walked around the corner to the Tortolita Middle School soccer field we saw the usual parent crowd gathered to watch their young sons and daughters play soccer. What we heard was also the normal cheering of parents directed toward their little children running up and down the field. There were two games being played, one by 6-7 year olds and the other 4-5 year olds. We were there to watch our 4 year old grandson play on the Blue Dolphins team.

Today something was different for me. I have watched a lot of soccer, football, basketball, and baseball games, as well as field and track events where my children have been the participants and fierce competitors. I have cheered them on to victory and wept with them when the outcome was not victorious. Today, I was acutely aware and almost sad listening to parents yelling at their young son or daughter to "get the ball," "the other way, the other way," "pay attention," etc., etc. which are all words I said a million times to my own children. Today I watched and listened with grandma eyes and ears. I kept thinking to myself that they are just little children. Is it good for a child to be involved in competitive sports at a young age? My answer is yes and perhaps no. Yes, because of the physical coordination it teaches, social interaction, and team unity. Perhaps no, because of the tendency towards aggression. I could almost see bullies in the making today.

Please don't feel I am against team sports or competition, but after today when I watch my little grandchildren play sports I will be encouraging them to just have fun! Competition may breed success, but it can also breed selfishness.