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kidsgame
35 Posts |
 Posted - 04/18/2012 : 19:36:47
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| I knew nothing about baseball a few years ago (I was a darn good team mom though). But, in the past couple of years of travel baseball, I have absolutely fallen in love . . . with baseball and watching my son playing baseball. So, my son is only 10, but he goes to hitting lessons (he'd like to go everyday if we could afford it), pitching lessons, informal practices, formal practices, etc. I am praying that this is not a recipe for burnout and that he still loves to play this game when he is 16. What can we do to help him develop as a player and still love playing? Also, for moms of older sons, is it always this intense? |
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AndreaS
8 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2012 : 11:17:47
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| I personally think the key to avoiding burnout, is to remember that at 10, they are still a kid. Make sure they are the one asking to go to lessons, practice, etc. and that they don't do it because they think you expect it. Try encouraging basketball or some other winter sport, to develope other muscles. Give them options and encourage them to try new things. They may still go straight back to baseball, but help them to understand that there is more to life than just the game. Some stick with it because they know nothing else, but you can see it in their faces that they are tired of playing, others are just truly happy to be at the field. Remember to take a break, even if it is just a couple weeks between seasons, and just encourage him to have fun being a kid. |
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kidsgame
35 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2012 : 08:31:55
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Thank you, AndreaS! He really loves it too so far - it helps that he is doing well, his teammates are great friends and he has absolutely clicked with his hitting instructor.
That is a great point about playing another sport, and my husband and I have been talking a good deal about that lately. He has been asking for years to play football, and we are finally going to let him play this year. He is also asking to play basketball, so we will probably do that, too. He pretty much loves sports.
And, we've been trying to keep baseball fun for him - with some healthy encouragement along the way :) - because it can get pretty intense out there.
Good luck to your team!
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rippit
667 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2012 : 10:53:35
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Intense? In some ways it's always going to be intense.
But what exactly are you referring to that's intense? Other parents? Coaches? The competition?
After a while it all kinda becomes second nature and you get numb to some things that may be shocking now, but just know that remaining calm is key in every situation. If anyone/parent on the team likes to stir the pot, walk away. The less drama, the better. |
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kidsgame
35 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2012 : 18:08:03
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All of the above Rippit! I'm in agreement that its part of it, and it's best to stay out of it and support the coaches and team. We have a really great group, but we're not immune to drama - no team is.
I'm not sure exactly what I mean by intensity either! I started to write that I meant from my son's perspective in connection with the "burn out" issue. But, I had to erase the whole paragraph when I realized that maybe I'm the one feeling the pressure not him :)
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Confession
