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Sports parents: Can we rethink youth commitments, so we have less stress in Our Best Life?

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Sports parents: Can we rethink youth commitments, so we have less stress in Our Best Life?

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Youth sports parents, give yourself a hand. We are nearing the finish line of the obstacle course of the spring season, where soccer, lacrosse, track, baseball and volleyball collide, along with dance recitals, band concerts and end-of-school celebrations.

Now that we can take a breath, let’s talk. Could we agree not to schedule two-day tournaments two hours from home on Mother’s Day weekend? And while we’re at it, let’s move them off Memorial Day weekend, too, so we can spend the three-day holiday with our families.

Regular weekends, and often weeknights, already require intense battle plans for youth sports. Dividing labor to get which kid to which sport at what time, and then from one to the other? Maybe it’s time we rethink expectations.

For example, on a recent Sunday afternoon, we left our second lacrosse game in Chagrin Falls at half time to drive to a soccer game in Norwalk. That’s 72 miles, an 80-minute drive. For a 13-year-old who does not play club.

Club sports are generally more competitive, more expensive and more intense than recreational or travel programs.

I think sports should be fun and that my kids will likely never play in college, let alone win a scholarship. So, I let them try lots of different sports. I thought by opting against club teams, private coaching and year-round specialization, I was protecting my family from burnout, overuse injuries and a commitment that takes over our lives.

But sometimes it feels impossible to play youth sports at a reasonable level.

My kids love soccer, and it’s my favorite spring sport, too, even when it’s cold and rainy.Laura Johnston

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