As kids get older some parents seem to think they should give their child “more” competition so they will learn more. But, is “more“ competition good for kids? Do they really learn more? If they do learn more do they really need to learn more? Or are they just being put under more pressure? What if with “more“ competition they do not get to play very much or they get yelled at too much or are cut from the team and due to all or any of these they quit by 12 or 14? What if they never play again after that and lose the “friends” they had on the team after all that? Is “more” competition and more learning worth that risk? Or, is having a positive experience and nice friends with “less“ competition more important? What is the child's self esteem and confidence going to be like after they have a negative experience? Is “more” competition and possibly learning more worth that risk?

I do not think “more” competition and possibly learning more is worth all the risk that they will quit at an early age and quit feeling bad? I think kids needing to feel valued and included and loved are more important than “more” competition and possibly learning more. I do not think they learn more with “more“ competition, either. There is no proof of this. And, even if they did, I think it is more important they have a positive experience and have nice friends and build their confidence than to have them feel possibly torn them down so they can say they are on some hot shot team and learned more.

All 3 of my kids played FFPS till 18 and they made many friends while they played and they are in their 20's and 30's now and they still have kept some of these friends. As parents we made many friends and many we still have today. So, FFPS was wonderful for our family. I hope it has been and will continue to be for your kids, also.

What do you think? Is your child having a positive experience? Is “more” competition worth the risk? Do they really learn more with “more competition? Do you think they might play till 18?