My husband has gone nuts

[mjkacmom]

Well, my ds11 is signed up for travel soccer, travel baseball, rec soccer, and flag football this fall (although, in his case, he wants to do this). Men are nuts! Keep in mind, I have 4 other children with similar schedules - let the games begin!

 

[Magic Mom]

and he might end up shorter than he should have been from the pounding of the running etc. And so on and so forth.

Running makes kids short?

 

[PinkRhombus]

I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV


Seriously though...you need to grow some cahones and tell your husband "no".

And I would really like to see where it says you need permission to hold him out of practice when he's injured.

If he doesn't care about playing I'm sure he's not first or second string...so probably it will affect the team very little

 

[Disney Doll]

Actually, I do have a problem with it. I am looking for some type of position statement from the Academy of Pediatrics regarding prepubertal children even playing football.

Why can't you just say you don't like it, discuss it with DH & child, and see where it goes from there? Does your DH not consider your opinion in matters like this?

 

[sunnyday123]

Actually, I do have a problem with it. I am looking for some type of position statement from the Academy of Pediatrics regarding prepubertal children even playing football.

Or it just could be a Position statement from his Mother who says, "You are not playing football with a broken/bruised rib." And "possible" broken rib?? i would think as a Dr. there would've been the thought of an x ray or two..

 

[sunnyday123]

Your husband needs that to be OK with taking DS out of football?

In my house, I'm the one with the body-knowledge, and I'm the person who decides what is appropriate, body-wise, for DS. Hubby's knowledge comes into play with, say, what type of martial arts DS will start with, and at what age, but if, say, hubby wanted him in Thai Kickboxing, even if DS were older, I would pull the body-knowledge card and not allow that. No position statements needed.


If this is what is needed I'm really sorry. I'm SURE there are studies done of the growth plates, at the very minimum, of such rough sports involving running, cutting, etc. Your son's knees will likely be messed up earlier than they should be by starting this early, and he might end up shorter than he should have been from the pounding of the running etc. And so on and so forth.


Regardless, why not do an xray on your son (I assume you have a machine in your office) to check out the fractures you suspect; if his coach knows he has fractures and STILL lets him play...well then you've got a horrible coach, and DS should be pulled from that dangerous team on THAT regard!

Body knowledge card??? And I am sure the pounding of the running will not affect his growth! If that was the case, wouldn't all athletes be short????

 

[Mkrop]

I'm not a doctor, but studies like this one have shown that playing football helps the younger boys develop stronger bone mass.

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/football-children.html

My DS is in much better physical condition because of football. Initially he was luke-warm with the idea but after talking with his pediatrician about a 14 pound weight gain in one year's time, we decided he needed to be more active in sports. He choose football, and hated it at first. However, by the end of the first season, he said he couldn't wait for the next year's season.

I dont know about any studies but kids have been playing pee wee football forever.

My DS11 too is in MUCH better condition bc of football. He lost 12 pounds since last fall. DS hated it too, it was hard. Harderd than he trained for any sport and he has played almost all of them. It was also a big time commitment that he wasnt used to. But after he went thorugh it all, he is now playing his second year of CYO JV and loves it. It is not his favorite sport but he loves it and CHOSE to play it this year.

Even this year he has brusies galore, esp on his arms. This year we got him rib protector, something OP you may want to look into if you move on with this sport. But I have noticed all the new moms to football have been asking a million questions about the conditioning and saying their kids are so tired and sore. Umm yeah all this conditioning and practice is to keep them safe when they do play.

But if my son was injured, he would be pulled. His coaches are very concerend about safety. But not every injury is pulling out of the game worthy but I would think as a Dr you would know best.

You need to sit down with your DH and make sure this sport and the time commitment is the right fit for you and your family. It is not for everyone and that is ok.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I think my son would probably play football if we had the time, but I am actually relieved he doesn't. My husband played through high school and college, and you'd need a week to read through his medical records, both while he was playing and now. He has had countless injuries, which affect him to this day.

Too many concussions to count, which gives him several migraines a week now.

Broken ribs, of course they still play! they'd be considered a (insert bad word here) umm... let's just say wimp... if they didn't.

Collapsed lung? that's too bad, sorry to hear that. That will probably give you problems your whole life. When can you be back on the field?

Messed up your knees? Sorry about that, you will need knee replacement surgery sometime down the road. Think you can still play on Friday? Yes? Good boy.

I could go on, but you get the picture. I say if the boy doesn't want to play, it should be his choice, and ONLY his choice!

 

[robinb]

Actually, I do have a problem with it. I am looking for some type of position statement from the Academy of Pediatrics regarding prepubertal children even playing football.

Why do you need that ? You don't need to defend your position with the help of the Academy of Pediatricians. You're a physician yourself and you are a mom ... that combination trumps any "Academy" any day!

You really need to know what your son wants to do. If he wants to play football, then it sounds like there are things to do to make it safer. If he doesn't want to play football, then you need to intercede between him and his father and allow him to quit gracefully.

 

[sbell111]

This thread could not be more skewed.

I seriously doubt that the father just signed the kid up for football willy-nilly without the boy expressing some interest. Further, now that the child is in it, he should stick with it.

It sounds like the mom is just making a big deal out of her little baby getting some bruises.

 

[Deb in IA]

My husbands has gone nuts and is trying to make me crazy. I have an 11 yo son in 6th grade. For whatever reason, my husband signed him up for football. My son complains about football. So far, he has come home covered with bruises, and I suspect that he may have had a broken rib (or at least badly bruised). Today, he pretty went over the edge.

He left work at about 2 pm (his normal work day is 8-4:30), to bring my son to my office (across the street from school) to be certain he finished his homework before football practice. Keep in mind, I am a family physician, and I am seeing patients at this time. That is why I pay extended care $60 a week to watch my son betwee 3pm and when I get off work. At extended care, they have homework time. He gets to socialize with other kids from school. He gets a snack. And, he gets to play outside for a time.

My Husband dropped my son off at my office, and then announced that he was going back to the city to pick up another boy for boy scouts (also this evening, at the same time as football practice). I have a PTO meeting at 6:30 (same time as football), and was hoping to get a chance to eat something quick between work and the meeting. I don't like to eat dinner at 8pm.

I think my husband is disorganized and confused. My son finished homework at 5:20. I drove him to my home to meet my husband, and, now I am out the door to my meeting.

I'm confused.

You really think he has a rib fracture, and you didn't get him x-rayed??

Did you send him back to football practice last night with your husband, even though you think, but don't know, because you didn't check, if his rib was fractured???? Aren't you worried that he will continue to injure it, resulting in possible pneumothorax, flail chest, etc.????? And yet, you went off to a meeting, when you could have taken him to the the ER to get a chest film????

You do know how to order an x-ray, don't you? And you know that if he does have a rib fracture, well guess what? NO MORE FOOTBALL, and your problem is solved.

Actually, I do have a problem with it. I am looking for some type of position statement from the Academy of Pediatrics regarding prepubertal children even playing football.

Here you go:

A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2007.
This policy is a revision of the policy posted on September 1, 1989.

POLICY STATEMENT


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PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 6 June 2001, pp. 1459-1462

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:
Organized Sports for Children and Preadolescents
Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Committee on School Health



ABSTRACT
Top
Abstract
Introduction
References

Participation in organized sports provides an opportunity for young people to increase their physical activity and develop physical and social skills. However, when the demands and expectations of organized sports exceed the maturation and readiness of the participant, the positive aspects of participation can be negated. The nature of parental or adult involvement can also influence the degree to which participation in organized sports is a positive experience for preadolescents. This updates a previous policy statement on athletics for preadolescents and incorporates guidelines for sports participation for preschool children. Recommendations are offered on how pediatricians can help determine a child's readiness to participate, how risks can be minimized, and how child-oriented goals can be maximized.

INTRODUCTION
Top
Abstract
Introduction
References

Participation in organized sports can have physical and social benefits for children. However, the younger the participant, the greater the concern about safety and benefits. The involvement of preadolescents in organized sports is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the early 20th century, physical activity was a more regular part of life for the average child. Sports and games provided an additional outlet for physical activity and were characterized by play that was generally spontaneous, unstructured, and without adult involvement. Participation in such sports and games allowed for development of motor skills, social interaction, creativity, and enjoyment for participants.

During the latter part of the 20th century, "free play" or unstructured games primarily gave way to organized sports. The starting age for organized sports programs has also evolved to the point that infant and preschool training programs are now available for many sports. Organization of sports has potential benefits of coaching, supervision, safety rules, and proper equipment but can also create demands and expectations that exceed the readiness and capabilities of young participants. Organization can also shift the focus to goals that are not necessarily child oriented. Clearly, the nature of the organization can determine if it has a positive or negative influence.

This statement is an update to a previous policy statement on athletics for preadolescents1 and incorporates guidelines for sports participation for preschool children.2 Recommendations are made on how pediatricians can help determine a child's readiness to participate in organized sports, how risks can be minimized, and how child-oriented goals can be maximized.

ORGANIZED SPORTS PROGRAMS: LIMITATIONS AND RISKS

The effects of organized sports participation on growth and maturation have come under question, as have the effects of growth and maturation on the ability to participate in sports. Because children are beginning to train and compete at earlier ages, there is increasing concern about potential negative effects on growth and maturation. Reports of gymnasts and divers with short stature or ballet dancers with lean body types or late menarche have contributed to such concerns. Despite such reports, it is unclear if these characteristics were a result of intensive training or other factors, such as dietary practices, psychological and emotional stress, or selection bias for the sport.3

The effects of immaturity on sports participation are more obvious. When the demands of a sport exceed a child's cognitive and physical development, the child may develop feelings of failure and frustration. Even with coaches available to teach rules and skills of a sport, children may not be ready to learn or understand what is being taught. Furthermore, many coaches are not equipped to deal with the needs or abilities of children. Basic motor skills, such as throwing, catching, kicking, and hitting a ball, do not develop sooner simply as a result of introducing them to children at an earlier age.4 Teaching or expecting these skills to develop before children are developmentally ready is more likely to cause frustration than long-term success in the sport.5 Because most youth sports coaches are volunteers with little or no formal training in child development, they cannot be expected to correctly match demands of a sport with a child's readiness to participate. Educational programs are available for youth sports coaches, but most coaches do not participate. Nonetheless, coaches may still try to teach what often cannot be learned and blame resulting failures on shortcomings of athletes or themselves.

Parental or adult supervision of children's activity is usually considered to be desirable. However, in organized sports, inappropriate or overzealous parental or adult influences can have negative effects. Adults' involvement in children's sports activities may bring goals or outcome measures that are not oriented toward young participants. Tournaments, all-star teams, most valuable player awards, trophies, and awards banquets are by-products of adult influences. Despite good intentions, increased involvement of adults does not necessarily enhance the child athlete's enjoyment. The familiar image of a parent imploring their 5-year-old to "catch the ball," "kick the ball," or "run faster" is a reminder of how adult encouragement can have discouraging effects.

ORGANIZED SPORTS PROGRAMS: BENEFITS

In contrast to unstructured or free play, participation in organized sports provides a greater opportunity to develop rules specifically designed for health and safety. Organization can allow for the establishment of developmentally sound criteria for determining readiness to play. Organization can also allow for a fair process in choosing teams,6 matching competitors,7 and enforcing rules. Rules specifically targeted at younger athletes can reduce injuries. Recommendations have been made to limit dangerous practices, such as headfirst sliding in baseball8 and body checking in hockey.9 Safety accommodations associated with organized youth sports can also include smaller playing fields, shorter contest times, pitch counts for Little League pitchers, softer baseballs, matching opponents by weight in youth football, and adjusting play for extreme climatic conditions.10 The availability of qualified coaches in organized sports can be a key factor in providing safety and a positive experience.

In this regard, the effects of organization provide positive environments for young participants. Unfortunately, not all youth sports participants have access to all known safety measures. Furthermore, a great deal remains to be learned about safety in youth sports. Additional resources are needed to study injury prevention and ensure that all participants will benefit from existing safety measures. The prospects for additional development and implementation of safety measures are far greater for organized sports than for unstructured free play.

Despite many potential benefits of organization, there is no consensus as to the overall value of organized sports for preadolescents. A return to the days of free play has been suggested as one means to eliminate negative aspects of organized sports. Unfortunately, the days when children had the time, opportunity, or inclination to play in neighborhoods or local parks have passed. Today, there are more demands on a young person's time, more options for free time, diminished requirements for regular physical activity, and fewer opportunities for free play. School-based physical education programs have also been reduced throughout the years and can no longer be relied on to provide adequate levels of healthy activity.11

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of many adult health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.12 However, with less time dedicated to free play and school physical education programs, the result may be lower activity levels and lower levels of fitness for children. There is a greater need to protect opportunities for structured and unstructured physical activity for children. Organized sports may not provide all physical activity needs but can be a viable means to increase activity levels in children and, hopefully, lead to the adoption of active lifestyles as adults.

Organized Sports Programs: Optimizing the
Benefit-to-Risk Ratio

If organized sports are going to be safe, healthy, and beneficial for children and preadolescents, there must be reasonable goals for participation and appropriate strategies to attain these goals. Reasonable goals for children and preadolescents participating in organized sports include acquisition of basic motor skills, increasing physical activity levels, learning social skills necessary to work as a team, learning good sportsmanship, and having fun.13

Organized sports sessions should be tailored to match the developmental level of participants. Most preschool children have short attention spans and are easily distracted; therefore, exercise sessions should be short and emphasize playfulness, experimentation, and exploration of a wide variety of movement experiences. A reasonable format would consist of no longer than 15 to 20 minutes of structured activity combined with 30 minutes of free play. Concentration will be maximized if instructional sessions take place in a setting with minimal distraction. Instructing younger children using a show-and-tell format with physical demonstration may be more effective than with verbal instruction.

For children and preadolescents, factors such as fun, success, variety, freedom, family participation, peer support, and enthusiastic leadership encourage and maintain participation, whereas others such as failure, embarrassment, competition, boredom, regimentation, and injuries discourage subsequent participation.14

Pediatricians, as experts in child development, can help parents and coaches determine readiness of a child to participate in organized sports. Readiness is often defined relative to the demands of the sport. Because different sports and even the same sport may vary widely with respect to demands and expectations, pediatricians must understand these demands to help determine if they are appropriate for the physical and cognitive maturation of participants. Preparticipation examinations are typically not mandated until junior high and high school. However, annual examinations for younger children afford an opportunity to promote physical activity and address issues of readiness as they apply to organized sports.

Pediatricians can further advocate safe sports participation by promoting better education and training of youth sports coaches. Standards for coaching competency are available, and certification for youth sports coaches should address these competencies.15 In addition, pediatricians can work with sports administrators and coaches within their community to share relevant information on child development, injury assessment, first aid, and injury prevention. Pediatricians can also take an active role in developing safety programs while ensuring that existing safety measures are observed. A pediatrician may be one of the few adults who can objectively determine when pressures and expectations of organized sports become excessive for any individual or group. Finally, pediatricians can serve as role models for appropriate sideline behavior and can help parents and other adults remember the reasons children want to participate.

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Organized sports for children and preadolescents provide an opportunity for increased physical activity and an opportunity to learn sports and team skills in an environment where risks of participation can potentially be controlled. Unfortunately, when demands and expectations of the sport exceed the maturation or readiness of the participant, benefits of participation are offset. The shift from child-oriented goals to adult-oriented goals can further negate positive aspects of organized sports.

To optimize the safety and benefits of organized sports for children and preadolescents and to preserve this valuable opportunity for young people to increase their physical activity levels, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:


1. Organized sports programs for preadolescents should complement, not replace, the regular physical activity that is a part of free play, child-organized games, recreational sports, and physical education programs in the schools. Regular physical activity should be encouraged for all children whether they participate in organized sports or not.

2. Pediatricians are encouraged to help assess developmental readiness and medical suitability for children and preadolescents to participate in organized sports and assist in matching a child's physical, social, and cognitive maturity with appropriate sports activities.

3. Pediatricians can take an active role in youth sports organizations by educating coaches about developmental and safety issues, monitoring the health and safety of children involved in organized sports, and advising committees on rules and safety.

4. Pediatricians are encouraged to take an active role in identifying and preserving goals of sports that best serve young athletes.

5. Additional research and resources are needed to:

a a. determine the optimal time for children to begin participating in organized sports;

b b. identify safe and effective training strategies for growing and developing athletes;

c c. educate youth sports coaches about unique needs and characteristics of young athletes; and

d d. develop effective injury prevention strategies.

Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness, 2000-2001

Reginald L. Washington, MD, Chairperson

David T. Bernhardt, MD

Jorge Gomez, MD

Miriam D. Johnson, MD

Thomas J. Martin, MD

Thomas W. Rowland, MD

Eric Small, MD

Liaisons

Claire LeBlanc, MD

Canadian Pediatric Society

Carl Krein, AT, PT

National Athletic Trainers Association

Robert Malina, PhD

Institute for the Study of Youth Sports

Judith C. Young, PhD

National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Section Liaison

Frederick E. Reed, MD

Section on Orthopaedics

CONSULTANTS

Steven Anderson, MD

Stephen Bolduc, MD

Oded Bar-Or, MD

Staff

Heather Newland

Committee on School Health, 2000-2001

Howard L. Taras, MD, Chairperson

David A. Cimino, MD

Jane W. McGrath, MD

Robert D. Murray, MD

Wayne A. Yankus, MD

Thomas L. Young, MD

Liaisons

Missy Fleming, PhD

American Medical Association

Maureen Glendon, RNCS, MSN, CRNP

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Lois Harrison-Jones, EdD

American Association of School Administrators

Jerald L. Newberry, MEd, Executive Director

National Education Association, Health Information Network

Evan Pattishall III, MD

American School Health Association

Mary Vernon, MD, MPH

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Linda Wolfe, RN, BSN, MEd, CSN

National Association of School Nurses

Staff

Su Li, MPA

FOOTNOTES

The recommendations in this statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.





REFERENCES
Top
Abstract
Introduction
References
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Organized athletics for preadolescent children. Pediatrics 1989; 84:583 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Fitness, activity, and sports participation in the preschool child. Pediatrics 1992; 90:1002-1004 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
Malina RM Physical growth and biological maturation of young athletes. Exerc Sports Sci Rev 1994; 22:389-433
Branta C, Haubenstricker J, Seefeldt V Age changes in motor skills during childhood and adolescence. Exerc Sports Sci Rev 1984; 12:467-520
Stryer B, Toffler IR, Lapchick R A developmental overview of child and youth sports in society. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin North Am 1998; 7:697-724 [Medline]
Kamm RL A developmental and psychoeducational approach to reducing conflict and abuse in Little League and youth sports. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin North Am 1998; 7:891-918 [Medline]
Roemmich JN, Rogol A Physiology of growth and development: its relationship to performance in the young athlete. Clin Sports Med 1995; 14:483-503 [Medline]
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Risk of injury from baseball and softball in children. Pediatrics 2000; 107:782-784 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Safety in youth ice hockey: the effects of body checking. Pediatrics 2000; 105:657-658 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Climatic heat stress and the exercising child. Pediatrics 2000; 106:158-159 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness Physical fitness and the schools. Pediatrics 2000; 105:1156-1157 [Abstract/Free Full Text]
US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1996
Martens R, Seefeldt V, eds. Guidelines for Children's Sports. Reston, VA: National Association for Sport and Physical Education; 1979:1-47
Rowland TW. Clinical approaches to the sedentary child. In: Exercise and Children's Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books; 1990:259-274
National Association for Sport and Physical Education. National Standards for Athletic Coaches: Quality Coaches, Quality Sports. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co; 1995:1-124

 

[Luv2Scrap]

This thread could not be more skewed.

I seriously doubt that the father just signed the kid up for football willy-nilly without the boy expressing some interest. Further, now that the child is in it, he should stick with it.

It sounds like the mom is just making a big deal out of her little baby getting some bruises.

Just because you may not be able to image a father forcing a child to participate in something they might not want, doesn't mean it couldn't possibly happen.

I'm not saying that's what happened here for sure. We don't know how much interest the kid expressed in football. But I happen to know for a fact that a child being forced into a sport against their will can and does occasionally happen.

 

[Scurvy]

This thread could not be more skewed.

I seriously doubt that the father just signed the kid up for football willy-nilly without the boy expressing some interest. Further, now that the child is in it, he should stick with it.

It sounds like the mom is just making a big deal out of her little baby getting some bruises.

Well if the child did say that he wanted to play football and only has a few bruises then I agree that he needs to stick with it until the end of the season. However, if I am remembering correctly (and I apologize OP if I have you confused with someone else) this is the same father who kept his son out really late on school nights so he could carry on a relationship with some other woman. Clearly if that's him, he doesn't always have the child's best interests at heart. Sadly, I've known parents who did sign up their kids for activities that the kids hadn't expressed any interest in. The moms who want their daughters to be perfect little ballerinas or gymnasts even though the girl would rather play softball, the dads who want their sons to follow in dad's footsteps and play football even though the kid would prefer the science team. It does happen. And in a case like that, the kid shouldn't be forced to continue with an activity that he dislikes just to make his parent happy - especially when the other parent is opposed to the activity.


If the child does have a broken rib (though I am confused about why that hasn't been confirmed with an x-ray, especially since the OP is a doctor) then he doesn't need to play until it is healed even if he did want to play football.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This thread could not be more skewed.

I seriously doubt that the father just signed the kid up for football willy-nilly without the boy expressing some interest. Further, now that the child is in it, he should stick with it.

It sounds like the mom is just making a big deal out of her little baby getting some bruises.

I hate to tell you but I have seen quite a few kids whose parents signed them up for sports that they did not want to play. The child hated every minute of it and the parent forced them. It is quite sad.

 

[Deb in IA]

In my house, I'm the one with the body-knowledge

Yikes.

If this is what is needed I'm really sorry. I'm SURE there are studies done of the growth plates, at the very minimum, of such rough sports involving running, cutting, etc. Your son's knees will likely be messed up earlier than they should be by starting this early, and he might end up shorter than he should have been from the pounding of the running etc. And so on and so forth.

Please list any reputable reference to back up your ridiculous claim.

Quite to the contrary, long distance running, even in younger athletes, has had relatively few injuries, and most of these involve soft tissue injuries from overuse syndromes - iliotibial band, plantar fasciitis, etc. And these can, for the most part, be significanty reduced with proper training, good running shoes, appropriate build-up of mileage, and stretching.

In addition, weight bearing exercise such as running HAS been shown to improve bone density, not the other way around.

 

[KAMKIM]

Yikes.



Please list any reputable reference to back up your ridiculous claim.

Quite to the contrary, long distance running, even in younger athletes, has had relatively few injuries, and most of these involve soft tissue injuries from overuse syndromes - iliotibial band, plantar fasciitis, etc. And these can, for the msot part, be significanty reduced with proper training, good running shoes, appropriate build-up of mileage, and stretching.

I was thinking the same thing, DH has been playing basketball since he was 2 and is now 6'4 - it certainly didn't stunt his growth...I didn't play any sports and am 5'2

 

[ckay87]

If DH is forcing your son to play a sport which gives him bruises, against the kid's will, then DH may as well be inflicting the bruises himself. And yes, I do feel that way. It's one thing if the kid wants to suffer the physical consequences of this sport. It's quite another when an adult is forcing the kid to suffer the physical consequences of this sport. It's a stupid game and there are far FAR more other ways to get the physical activity and any other enrichment that people are going to jump in here and cite to me. I don't care....it's not necessary (I'd even say abusive) to bruise a kid over a stupid game he doesn't want to play.

 

[locolala]

Have you asked your son if he wants to play? It comes down to that at his age. Injuries happen.. I had a horse fall on me, fracturing 3 ribs, my skull, and my T4-T5 vertibrae. Guess where I'm going tonight.. yup, the barn. I actually got back on a week after the accident just so I didn't become afraid of riding. I've ridden on broken ankles (parents had the doctor do a walking cast that could come off for riding, rode in the state finals 2 weeks after the break), with broken wrists (jumped off the roof of the garage, bad idea), and just a few days after dislocating my knee. If the pain is bad enough that he doesn't want to participate, let him sit out. If he's fine to play, let him play.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I was thinking the same thing, DH has been playing basketball since he was 2 and is now 6'4 - it certainly didn't stunt his growth...I didn't play any sports and am 5'2

Well imagine if he didn't play? He might have been 10 feet tall! Poor thing with his stunted growth and all......

 

[TCPluto]

Running makes kids short?

Don't be alarmed.

The reason this seems so foreign to you is because it a ridiclious claim made in ignorance.

Studies actually show the health benefits of weightlifting and running on developing children.