Is 2 too young to put a child in competitive sports? | Expert Q/A

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Question:

My daughter was barely 2 when other parents in town began pressuring me to enroll her in the local competitive soccer program! I've ignored the pressure so far, but am I doing the right thing?

Answer:

Absolutely! When a child is placed in organized sports for which she isn't developmentally ready – physically, socially, emotionally or cognitively – she's at risk for injury, failure and disappointment, any or all of which can lead to a lifelong distaste for physical activity! And, trust me, a toddler is not ready – in any of the developmental domains – for competitive, or even noncompetitive, organized sports. The experts recommend you wait until she's 6 or, better still, 8 before enrolling her. And even then it should be her choice!

By Rae Pica
Physical Activity Specialist

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