SPORTS CAN BE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
Involvement in sports causes problems for kids mainly when it becomes "too much of a good thing." When sports participation is prioritized as more important than learning by either parent, or when children spend too much of their time watching sports on TV, little time is left to develop academic competence or other interests. When kids assume they can become professional athletes without a realistic sense of the skill and practice required or the competition they'll meet, they give up learning and close doors to other opportunities for themselves. When sports are enjoyed in a balanced way and do not take over children's lives, they have great potential for making contributions to lifelong achievement.
As with most other interests, if sports dominate children's lives, children may be prevented from accomplishing more important goals. Gifted athletes should also prepare themselves for alternative opportunities. Incredible competition and unpredictable physical injuries can prevent even the most talented athletes from enjoying the career of their choice.