Mom's Talk: Summer Sports, Hobbies

Summer vacation will be upon us soon, and some summer sports teams have already formed. Some seasons have already begun. So, this week's focus for our team of experts is how you decide what summer sports your kids will play? What if they want to really play something or start a hobby and then want to quit halfway through? How do you teach your kids to be good sports (or do you)? What hobbies do you encourage?

Lisa May

My husband and I were having this exact conversation last night. Personally, I feel it is amazing how quickly activities can add up. I pride myself on not over-scheduling the children. However, after writing out our summer obligations (thus far), I was shocked to see all the running that we will be doing. My son will be playing baseball, which has already started. My littlest is going to try out T-ball for the first time.

My oldest wishes to continue gymnastics, but we are debating whether to drop for the 2 months of summer. The reason being the cost of the class, gas to drive her to and from class, plus will she learn that much in 2 months? My oldest two will be doing summer school enrichment classes. Also, all three will be in vacation Bible school, and my son is doing a Cub Scout day camp.

There are still a few wishes out these for the children, but it is looking like a no. We want to relax and enjoy the time without the stress of going here and there. We always enjoy their activities, but feel that we (and our wallets) need a break.

I do not allow them to quit halfway through something. They need to finish out the season in a sports case. My reason is personal. I tried MANY sports, hobbies, etc. as a child. I was allowed to quit at the slightest hint that I wished. To this day, I wish they would have encouraged me more. I feel that I can do many things, but lack proficiency in anything.

My children are generally good sports, so we haven't run into that issue. I go to my son's games for him and to watch a great game. All the children do a good job.

Jennifer AuBuchon

My kids have been brought up to finish something that they start (barring any really major situation that would change my feeling on that ... an injury, a really awful coach, etc.). With that said, I'm very open to them expressing their feelings about sports, hobbies, school etc.

If they really don't enjoy something, they do not have to continue it the following season. My daughter knew after one season of kid pitch softball that it wasn't for her. My son has never really loved soccer. He played longer than he really wanted to because he had many friends on his team. I'd much rather see them participate in sports and hobbies which appeal to them because they'll enjoy them more and do better at them.  

I think organized sports are great for exercise and learning good sportsmanship (sometimes by seeing examples of poor sportsmanship unfortunately). My son early on would've rather been playing video games, reading and doing legos. There's a time for all of those activities, but it's also important to get kids outside and playing in the fresh air. Now, playing baseball is one of his very favorite activities. As with most things, balance is key!

Samantha Goswami

Summer break will be here before we know it! This year as  we did last year, we will have a nanny to watch the boys for the summer.  

As far as sports, my older son already plays baseball in a league all summer. The only other sports both boys will do is  swimming, biking  and roller skating. For my younger son who prefers not to play team sports, he will work on swimming and biking this summer. We also plan on doing some cooking classes with him and a few sessions painting pottery.  

We have not reached a stage where I have had to force the kids to finish a camp, but like most parents I would prefer they finish a camp if they start it.