Researchers of a new study found that forcing a child to play a certain sport can lead to the child losing interest in that sport and can also damage parent-child relationships.
Parents often hope that their children excel in the games they were interested in during their childhood. However, researchers of a new study found that forcing a child to play a certain sport can lead to the child losing interest in that sport and can also damage parent-child relationships.
"Young athletes have two needs that should be fulfilled, and those are to feel worthy and have fun," Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor of human studies in the UAB School of Education explained in a press release. "When a sport is no longer fun - if the child feels the sport is more like a job - they will quit. It's sad to see them walk away."
While parents do not purposefully take the joy out of their children's games, being overzealous about their abilities, effort or participation can do just that.
"Conflict arises when we are unable to distinguish between what we want for our children and what we wanted for ourselves in the past," Josh Klapow, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Public Health said. "When the lines get blurred, that is where problems start."
Klapow also noted that sports addiction can cause problems in people. This addiction may lead to people missing out on important family gatherings and spending more time either playing or watching the game instead of spending time with family.
"Listen to those around you," he advised. "If family and friends say you are taking it too far, be brave enough to back off a bit."
