Have sports stopped being fun?

Dear Good Sport,

I read an interesting article online by a gentleman named Carleton Kendrick (on familyeducation.com).

The topic was "Why Most Kids Quit Sports," and I wanted to share it with you.

He quotes an alarming statistic from The National Alliance for Sports: 70% of children quit playing league sports (hockey, football, baseball, soccer and other competitive sports) by age 13.

The number 1 reason why? Because it stopped being fun.

We've placed so much emphasis on performance that many children feel they can't live up to the expectations of their parents and coaches.

We've placed so much emphasis on learning skills that we've squelched the passion of learning the sport.

We've placed so much emphasis on competition that we've forgotten how much fun it is to just get out there and play!

So in honor of Summer Vacation, why not help your kids put the Fun back into Sports!

Whether it's a pick-up game with friends or having a catch in the backyard with Dad or an older brother or sister, the emphasis should be fun. No stressing about the rules, no stressing about their performance -- just playing for fun.

There's always time during the rest of the year to emphasize everything else -- but this Summer, a little play time just might be the right time to help your kids remember that sports are fun.

And, ultimately, it can help them stay in love with sports and remain physically active throughout their lives.

Until I post again, here's wishing you a happy, fun and active Summer!

Leslie