This Tuesday, just before midnight, I pulled into the driveway, having left Maryland many hours earlier. My daughter had a two day lacrosse goalie training in Columbia, Maryland with an outfit named Goaliesmith. As I turned off the car and entered the house, my role as a youth sports father drew to a close. For years, I had been taking my kids to hockey, lacrosse, baseball, and other sporting events throughout New England – and in recent years, the country. Some would see this as a humble brag, and others would see it as lunacy. However one might judge it, the fact remains that my wife and I dedicated time, energy, and resources to our children’s athletic endeavors. Around fifth grade, my children’s interests and commitments to extracurricular activities began to grow exponentially. Now, my youngest is about to head to college – where she will continue to play lacrosse – but my job in getting her to games, practices, and such is over.
There are many lessons that I have learned through the years regarding youth sports and activities, but one that is most applicable to this forum, is that middle school is a time when parents should support more deeply their children’s interests. It is never too late to try new things, as my daughter who played varsity field hockey and varsity basketball for the first time as a senior in high school would say, however, she was the exception, not the rule. Middle school is a time when opportunities for kids are abundant and is also a time when the opportunity to participate at more significant levels present themselves. In a similar way, middle school academic subjects become more focused and more challenging, youth activities at the middle school level also tend to require a greater commitment.
At The Beech Hill School, we do our best to refrain from offering regular programming after-school, in the evenings, and throughout the weekend. We do this purposely, so that parents can find programs in their communities for their children during these hours. At another time I will address the “youth sports industrial complex,” specialization, and other related issues to youth activities and programming. During middle school, however, whether it is theater, sports, music, Scouting, robotics, chess, etc. – parents should expect an increased load in supporting their children’s extra-curricular passions.