In the world of modern parenting, there exists a distinct category of families whose lives revolve around organized sports. You’ve likely seen them: their minivans decked out with team stickers, weekends filled with games, and often a hectic weekday schedule packed with practices. For some, the commitment to sports means long drives, entry fees, and fundraising through sales of everything from cookies to gift wrap.
As I observe these families, I can’t help but think: that’s not the life I want for my kids. The reality is that none of my children are destined for Olympic glory. They aren’t the next Michael Phelps, Tim Tebow, or Pelé. Consequently, I believe it’s not worth our family’s time to sacrifice our togetherness for a sport. This is why my children are not permitted to participate in organized athletics, now or in the future.
What I value most is the freedom of our evenings and weekends. This weekend, for instance, there’s a Tall Ships event happening in town, and we can drop everything to attend. We aren’t tied down by soccer games or baseball practices, nor do we have to wake up early unless we choose to. Our family time remains uninterrupted by sports schedules, allowing us to enjoy church, brunch, and cherished moments with our friends whom we consider family.
When my partner comes home, we aren’t rushing to grab a meal between practices. Instead, we can relax, dine when we wish, and even take the kids on an evening adventure to hunt for toads by the river. My other children aren’t held back by their sibling’s sports commitments, ensuring our quality time is spent together rather than on the sidelines.
I acknowledge that organized sports offer certain advantages, such as teaching teamwork and resilience. However, my children still engage in physical activities. They are not sedentary; they frequently hike—last month, they even climbed a mountain, with my youngest navigating it all on her own. We explore the woods by the creek, searching for gators and turning fallen branches into playful “logagators.”
Moreover, they enjoy kayaking. My five-year-old has his own boat, navigating a calm lake, while my seven-year-old eagerly seeks out Class II rapids, with my youngest riding along on my lap. These outings not only provide physical activity but also foster social interaction among friends, making our adventures enjoyable.
They also take part in sports lessons, like figure skating, under the guidance of a former Olympian. This experience has no competitive pressure; they simply learn to skate for fun. Currently, they’re in the phase where they’re mastering their balance on the ice for an hour each week, and we all enjoy it together. No travel to competitions, no elaborate costumes, and no tears over missed jumps. I even lace up my skates to help them, making it a family affair.
All our activities are shared experiences. We participate in them together, enjoying each other’s company just as much as the physical exercise itself. That companionship is what matters most to us: being together as a family. If that makes us clingy or homebodies, so be it. In the limited time we have, we want to remain close-knit. This means making sacrifices, and choosing not to partake in organized sports is a significant one.
Do I feel a twinge of sadness that my kids might miss the joy of T-ball or the delight of capturing adorable moments of them styled like baseball cards? Certainly. I see photos on social media of toddlers joyfully chasing a soccer ball, and it tugs at my heartstrings.
Nonetheless, we’ve made our decision, and we’re committed to it.
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In summary, our family prioritizes time spent together over organized sports, embracing adventures and alternative activities that foster bonding and create cherished memories.
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