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Why Do Extracurricular and Sports Matter So Much?

Posted August 30, 2015 - 1:39pm

The other night I was talking to a couple of moms with kids older than mine who informed my friend and I that by 7th grade, kids need to have a sport they are going to try out for or they will be grouped with the misfits in the General PE class. We really want to believe they are wrong as my friend and I have kids who are much more bookish than they are athletic.

What's it like where you live? Do sports and extracurriculars overshadow academics? And why do you think that is if they do?

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Mommy Ramblings

Not sure it is the labeling thing, I have not heard that at all.  I just think there are a number or reasons. First some parent's dream is to have a champion athlete, they are thinking college scholorships, for their child to be discovered by a scout and be the next MLB, NBA, NHL or NFL champion. For others they want their kids to get passionate about something that will take up their time and keep them around people who are like minded. They may feel busy, active kids are less at risk to fall victim to peer pressure and drug and alcohol abuse.


CandyOvercaffed

But are there really that many disillusioned parents? Pro athletes are are the exception not the rule. And with the overscheduling of activities it may keep them away from drugs but it won't keep them away from the therapist in their twenties when they have an existential crisis. I think the area I live in may be part of the problem...


sunnykathleen

The athletic culture is much different than when I was growing up. Now kids are playing year round of "select" sports and I have found it to be true that if your child is not involved in one of these organiziations they most likely will not be able to play in high school for their school. My daughter (who is not very athletic) enjoyed her middle school volleyball team. It was a no cut sport - as was cross country and track and field. When she got to high school all 11 of the girls who made the team all played in a year round league. I feel like this really limits kids choices once they get older. They almost have to decide at a very young age which sport to focus on. Such a shame!


CandyOvercaffed

It is a shame! One of my best friends was on her college cross country team and didn't even discover she was a good runner or that she enjoyed it until she was in like 10th or 11th grade. It just doesn't make sense.


jonbonjovious

Perhaps we march to own drummers. Academics, at our house, are the priority, even though, I have come to accept that sports scholarships are more dominant.Living in a small town, sports--especially football, seem to be "the thing"...however, I disagree with the woman's statement and feel that is her personal belief system. My children have never been involved in sports, with the exception of one (she plays soccer). They have all been popular, and quite nerdy. I don't feel that anyone would name them misfits. In watching the evolution of children from my own couch, it seems there is a group for everyone where they fit in. While sports may be the highlight of my town's Friday nights, I am aware that there is a Robotic Team that is celebrating their love for programming and technology--a Book Club that is looking forward to their next read, a Violinist who is awaiting her seat on the symphony. I think, in the end, there is something to be said, from Napoleon Dynamite's Uncle Rico in the line, "Back in '82"...sports may be the spotlight, but eventually, it is the academics that prevail.


CandyOvercaffed

I think where I live must have something to do with it. I grew up in a very small town and it wasn't like that at all. Between my small town roots and my tendency to march to my own drummer, I think my kiddos may just have to be OK being "misfits" here. We are not so much academically focused as we are knowledge focused in this house and we aren't going to change that to fit in. But we aren't anti-sport either: my husband and I both played basketball in HS, I just ran a half marathon and an avid yogi, and my husband is training for Ironman and has run more marathons than I can count. He and I both had academic scholarships that paid for our college educations. I just don't understand why it's so different now/here?


jonbonjovious

I think our society sometimes focuses on money too much. My sister wants her son to play baseball--(because he's good and baseball players make big money)...I think the dream is sometimes they will make the draft and be a hero or "success". My mom's cousin played professional football through the 1970s and his salary was far, far less than what sports players make now. I think every child is different--they have different interests. I don't think there really are "misfits". I listen to my children--my older ones hated braces because they were "nerdy"...my younger kids are excited about braces because they're "cool". As long as your children like themselves, I don't think the stereotypes matter.


Frugal Minded M...

My oldest is 6'8" and everybody automatically assumes he is on the basketball team, but he's not.  Academics definitely come first.  While he would love to be, the schedule is crazy. On nights with games he wouldn't be home until midnight.  Since he struggles with self motivation when it comes to school work, he was told his grades had to be all As and Bs to play.  That didn't happen, so he hasn't been on the team at all in highschool.   


beachcitymom

I completely agree! My son is not into sports at all. But, I do know most of his cousins are and there seems to be such a priority about it. Every child is different as you said. I remember how labels were used when I was in high school and most of the boys in sports had really bad grades but they were cool because they played sports. But, I agree..sterotypes really shouldn't matter.


CandyOvercaffed

I agree - as long as the kids are happy I'm happy. I was just so shocked at what they were telling me. 


justamom

My son, yes, he found his own sports to get involved in. My daughter, I never required they take up any kind of sport, but I did require them to go outside & get some exercise. Whether that was shooting hoops, riding bikes or walking around the block. I believe exercise is crucial for everyone despite your age.


CandyOvercaffed

I agree! It becomes challenging here when it's so hot so we can't rely on just playing outside her. Also between the long school day and homework and dinner, there's not much time left in the day! Hopefully when it cools down here we can get more bike rides and walks in, but by then the time will change and it will be dark... Blasted! This is frustrating.


sunnykathleen

In my house my son is a year round baseball player - very focused and would like to try and play in college. He loves PE and any physical activity. My daughter is the opposite - she doesn't particularly enjoy organized sports and would not take PE if it weren't required. She is more into art and music. Each child has their own passions and however society labels them, I feel as parents, we have to keep hammering home the message that it is OK to be yourself, to be different and to be proud of who you are!


CandyOvercaffed

Agreed. As I talk about this with my daughter though, I'm getting the idea that she feels like she can't do any exercise because she likes reading and science. WHAT?! We are working on that... I'm trying to help her see that just because she tries a sport doesn't mean she's trying to change who she is. She kills me sometimes.