| Although all kids are different, I will share with you | | | | and make sure that it is positive. And, of course, |
| my views on sports and kids with special needs. | | | | there are special camps and organization with |
| If your child is having difficulties socially in school, | | | | coaches trained in encouraging and training special |
| you may be tempted to sign him or her up for | | | | needs kids. |
| basketball or soccer with the other kids. | | | | However, if team sports are not your child?s |
| You know your child better than anyone. Just be | | | | strong suit and he or she gets very stressed or |
| sure that you?re setting your child up for a | | | | has that ?lost? look while participating, then here |
| positive, rather than a negative experience. | | | | are some alternatives: |
| The things I have heard from Coaches about kids | | | | Camping as a family |
| on their team would make you spit nails. | | | | Going on Long Walks with You |
| ?Oh, he?s an awful player. He?s got some kind of | | | | Bike Riding (go on bike trails if you are concerned |
| disorder or something.? | | | | about safety) |
| ?I hope he doesn?t sign up next year.? | | | | Playing Tag |
| And, the parents in the stands are just as bad. | | | | Swimming |
| ?What is wrong with that kid?!? | | | | Going to the Park (just being a kid!) |
| ?Put him on the bench.? | | | | Karate (again, make sure the people in charge of |
| And, that was all heard in reference to kids in the | | | | the facility are warm, loving, patient people, |
| regular 3rd ? 6th grade classes. I know. It made | | | | before signing on the dotted line) |
| me sick, too. | | | | Each of these activities will help strengthen your |
| Now, I?m not at all saying that team sports | | | | child physically and give him or her the benefits of |
| should be avoided. Just make sure you know who | | | | self-confidence as well. |
| will be coaching your child, and make sure that he | | | | Yes, all kids need to be physically active, but at |
| or she is someone who you want in charge of | | | | what cost? Surely not at the cost of feeling like |
| your child?s self-esteem for the next few | | | | they aren?t good enough. Don?t feel pressured |
| months. | | | | into pushing your child into a team sport that may |
| There ARE wonderful coaches. Coaches who | | | | do more harm than good. |
| understand the impact they have upon children | | | | |