Boys and Playing Sports

Well, I have a slightly different situation. My children have a clotting disorder so they are unable to play contact sports BUT I have established a house rule that no extra-curricular activities could be started until age 7 or second grade. I think that children need to get used to school first and that many families over-schedule their children. My oldest son is a dancer and he has taken several types of dance but mostly taps. My 2nd son competes on a bowling league. My youngest son has a mild learning disability and I would like him to concentrate on school a while longer before starting anything else during the school year. He has participated in some summer activities before, after he turned 7, of course!
I do wonder what will happen to the children that start the strenuous activities young. I've heard that gymnasts have very hard time with their joints and muscles later on in life since they start so young and are pushed so hard at such a young age. It wouldn't surprise me too much if they find similar findings in other sports such as football or wresting since children are starting these types of sports younger and younger.

Hi S. S
I think that if you have no problem with letting him play then the person you should consult is your sons doctor. If the doc seems to think that he is fit enough then the only thing left to ask is,what are you as the parent comfortable with. Good luck! Smiles B.

I have read articles suggesting appropriate ages for playing various sports. They also outlined the reasons for their recommendations. As I remember the reasons had mostly to do with the effect that activity had on the child's growing body. For certain, football puts stress on bones and ligaments that have not reached maturity. Perhaps your doctor would know where to find this information. Have you tried looking on the Internet?

My 9 year old son is just starting his 3rd year of youth football. As with most high impact sports at any age, they are required to have a sports physical. I think there shouldn't be any issues as long as he has had a physical, and his doctor clears him . This is a decision that you and your son need to make.
My one piece of advice is this, make sure that he is with peers his own age and grade level, not weight level. This makes a huge difference. Check out all football leagues in your area. I have two in my area, one is by weight and the other is by age/ grade level.
Good luck in your decision. Let your son decide. If he wants to play, support him. If he doesn't want to play, pull him out.

I would say leave it up to him. If hes getting hit alot and doesnt like it then take him out, however if hes enjoying himself, I dont see any harm in it. Depending on how old he is, but being young they cant his as hard I wouldnt think to hurt someone enough to do any real damage, but I could be wrong. I say leave it up to your son though.

I don't have a boy but, I have a very tough tomboy little girl she is 5 1/2 years. She wrestles and play fights with her dad pretty hard. She runs and rams into him. I think young children generally are fine playing that type of sport at any age if they like it with pads on. If their bodies couldn't handle it, the kids would tell you it hurts too much and they don't like it. Just be observant.