I'm a huge sports guy, my first son hated to sweat. He was a little nerd. I signed him up for church slow pitch softball and I was the coach. The first game he played in he came to bat and started to cry. I took him out and he was done for ever. He was 10. Sometimes we as parents have to force them to do things, but sports should never be forced. Signing them up and trying is not forcing, but making them finish the season is cruel.

 

I played in over 100 softball games a year from the age of 19-45. My other 3 sons quit baseball by the age of 10 (they were on 3 championship teams). Soccer, whose choice was that I wonder.

...or soccer.

 

Of course soccer is exercise AND helps one hone up those acting skills.

I encouraged my son to play football, but did not force him to. I will tell you, that he regrets not playing, but does not blame me. That's because I also taught him to be a man and make his own decisions, not rely on me to make them for him. Therefore, I would have not changed my approach even knowing of his regrets now. He, for his part, has already professed that he will not force his son to play any particular sport either. That's my boy. :thumb:

I'm guilty. I forced my kids to be on the summer swim team for at least 3 years, starting at age 5.

I did it for me, so that I would have peace of mind that they would be strong swimmers, for safety reasons.

 

Two of them did their "sentence" then quit. One stuck with it and now swims in high school.

Two are summer lifeguards, ane one will be when he is of age.