(courtesy of Microsoft Clipart)I am writing today because I have a small issue that's been eating at me for a bit. My husband is a volunteer soccer coach for our local soccer club. He recently received the members of his team for the fall season and I was a bit surprised by the list.
My husband coaches a young team, he volunteers for our youngest son. So, of course, the children are supposed to be a certain age to be on the team. When the list arrived there are two children on the team that aren't quite of age. When my husband contacted the coordinator, he stated that the parents thought they were good enough to move up, so he allowed it.
Now, I know there are prodigies out there. There are children that are superstars. But, are there really that many.
I don't understand why parents can't let their children be successful at a certain level before they move them on. Sometimes when this happens instead of feeling proud, the children are only going to feel frustrated because they are with children 2 or more years older than they are. I just don't understand it.
I am a big proponent of taking the time to enjoy. If you're pushing your child with something at age 6, what is going to happen with the rest of their lives. They are little, this time of their life is supposed to be enjoyable, experiencing new things, and becoming successful at all new stages of life.
I know that not all may agree with me, but I felt it important to write this post. I am hoping that the word will get out that it is okay for children to be successful at their present level! They don't have to be pushed on to make them "better," or make them stand out. If they are doing great where they are supposed to be, they will feel great, you will feel great, and happiness will abound.
My husband coaches a young team, he volunteers for our youngest son. So, of course, the children are supposed to be a certain age to be on the team. When the list arrived there are two children on the team that aren't quite of age. When my husband contacted the coordinator, he stated that the parents thought they were good enough to move up, so he allowed it.
Now, I know there are prodigies out there. There are children that are superstars. But, are there really that many.
I don't understand why parents can't let their children be successful at a certain level before they move them on. Sometimes when this happens instead of feeling proud, the children are only going to feel frustrated because they are with children 2 or more years older than they are. I just don't understand it.
I am a big proponent of taking the time to enjoy. If you're pushing your child with something at age 6, what is going to happen with the rest of their lives. They are little, this time of their life is supposed to be enjoyable, experiencing new things, and becoming successful at all new stages of life.
I know that not all may agree with me, but I felt it important to write this post. I am hoping that the word will get out that it is okay for children to be successful at their present level! They don't have to be pushed on to make them "better," or make them stand out. If they are doing great where they are supposed to be, they will feel great, you will feel great, and happiness will abound.
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11 comments:
I totally agree! I can't understand why parents want to rush their children through life. I guarantee they will regret it. This age passes so fast and they are so busy pushing them through it. I just want to say "relax and enjoy them being little". If they are so great at something, let them be the leaders among their own peers.
I agree with you. And I think allowing your children to enjoy the good feeling of being successful for a while will build their confidence and consolidate their skills. That can only encourage them to try hard when it is time to learn new skills or work harder.
What a great point! I never really thought about how rewarding enjoying the moment would be. Superstar for the moment! Great blog!
I totally agree. Those same children that are rushed into childhood end up frustrated as they are not mature enough.
I totally agree! There is no reason to pressure or push a young child. They're still at the age to explore and figure out what interests them. It's not up to the parent to pick our child's interests! Let the kids be kids. Pushing a child usually makes them discouraged or even end up hating an activity that they previously enjoyed.
I agree with you. I guess on the other side of the coin, a child who truly is gifted needs to be challenged to enjoy the sport as well. They would be bored if kept at the level they've already mastered. I'm guessing at 6 years old though, it would be a rare occurrence for that to happen.
Children have to be encouraged to succeed accordign to their abilities. Life is too long to skip stages.
You´ve really made a poing here. I totally agree with you
I totally agree with you. Why do some parents feel the need to press their children?
When we spend time in classrooms as teachers, we often see this push for too much, too early. I'm in a setting where there is a child who is 2.5 and not potty trained, but the mother wants him in the preschool because he "behaves better" there. Why push him? There is nothing wrong with bring 2.5 and being with other two-and-a-half year olds.
Thanks for your opinion - it is a popular one,
I have to say I am so happy to see the positive comments from this post. I was a bit apprehensive about writing it as I didn't want to "ruffle any feathers," but I was feeling very strongly about the issue. Thank you all for the comments.
Trish
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