Parenting question...6yo boy and sports

[MelCald]

My 6 yo son played soccer last year. He had a really good friend on his team and enjoyed himself. Last Saturday was his first practice/game for this season. He was excited all morning long, but as soon as we were at the field, he just totally lost it. He was whining, crying and trying to hide behind me. He absolutely refused to participate. Unlike last year, this year the coaches are strangers and he isn't friends with any of his teammates. We just left. Now I don't know what to do...

Should I make him go next week, even though the outcome will probably be the same. Should I see if I can get him on a team with some of his friends? or should I just let him quit?
Any other suggestions??
Thanks so much for you help!
Melissa

 

[padams]

I have a 6yo boy too. I would try again next week. You might want to think about doing any of the following before the next practice: 1) explain to him that he is going to make some new friends; 2) let the coach know that he doesn't know anyone and is reluctant; or 3) call another player's mom, and enlist the other child to be your child's buddy at the next practice. Once your son is out there on the field, I think he'll be fine.

Good luck!

 

[snoopy]

Awww, poor little guy. I'd try again next week, I'm sure he'll come around eventually.

 

[disney4us2002]

I hope this doesn't come off making me sound like a mean mommy, lol, but I would not let him quit - at least not yet. I would take him back to the next few practices and games and tell him he must sit with the team and you will be right there. Sure he doesn't know anyone right now, but he will if he keeps going. Maybe talk to the coach afterward or by phone and see if s/he can maybe try to draw your son out. Kids learn by watching grownups. Try to be friendly with the other parents and kids and maybe have your son bring a snack to share which always makes kids want to hang out with you, lol.

Also, maybe things are run differently where you live, but here they will not allow team switching just to be with friends. They will only allow it for siblings to be on the same team to accomodate parents having to take their kids to games and practices possibly at different parks.

 

[jrydberg]

My daughter played last year at the age of 5. I use the term "played" loosely. She would participate in practices, but when games came, she didn't even want to set foot on the field. Something about all the adults around that she didn't know.

Anyway, the coach and I talked things over and figured we'd just give her the opportunity to play and ask her periodically if she wanted in. But ultimately she never did want to play during a game. No biggie. Especially at that age it can be a bit much for some kids.

 

[Kendra17]

I'd try again next week, too. . .although i'd try to find out what was he was feeling in the meantime.

My 7 yr. old son has been in Taekwondo for 3 years, and is very good. This year, he really wanted to play soccer, also, and I signed him up. His 2 closest friends are also on this team. His first game was Saturday, and he barely paid attention at all while on the field. I know he's only 7, but while the other kids were playing their best, ds was really not giving it his best.

I think it's important he participates in a team sport and that he feels comfortable playing soccer with his friends at school and after school, etc.

Ds has already expressed that it's too hot (it is) and that he isn't too interested. . .but, it's there's only 7 weeks left (only 6 for us because we're going to WDW!!!!) and I'm going to have him stick it out.

 

[PoohnPglet]

I am sorry, I really have no experience from that end. My DS13 started playing baseball at 5 and has pursued it mostly on his own initiative since then. (Of course, rides to practice/games are on mom but he puts part of his allowance towards playing the 3 different sports he plays now.)

But this is what I would like to say. Give him a few more tries at going, but if he is still really unhappy, I would let him quit and find the thing that does get him going. I have seen too many parents force their children into playing and not only is it uncomfortable for the child but it also wears on the team as well. Keep in mind, it could be that the enjoyment he received last year was more from the social interaction than from soccer.

 

[CamColt]

My neighbor has had similar issues with her DS. What Disney4us suggested is exactly what the pediatrician suggested, make him go and at least sit with the team. Eventually he should come around. Good luck!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I also would make him continue for this season. My kids know that they when they enroll in something that they are obligated for a certain period of time. Usually it's not an issue, but when one of my sons joined boy scouts he really did not like it. I didn't make him do it all year long, but told him that he had to do it until winter break and could then quit if he wanted to (which he did). The same son wanted to quit baseball at one point and I made him finish out the season.

You son is only 6yo and I would also talk to the coach or another parents like others have suggested to try and match him up with a new buddy.

T&B

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Poor guy We tried soccer last year, granted our son was only 4, but it was a disaster. He even had his best friend out there. She didn't like it to much either. He was fine for about 10 minutes and as soon as he realized we were on the sidelines (unlike some of the other parents that just didnt follow the coaches request to stay off the field ), he freaked.

We can't even say the word soccer anymore without him getting mad LOL.

Maybe we will try something in a few years, but for now, he is not interested.

Good luck with your little boy, hopefully next week is better.