Children in the Olympics

[jamesglewisf]

What do you think about all of these 12-16 year old kids in the Olympics with their broken hips, shoulders, legs, feet, wrists, etc.? Are they going to heal just fine or will they be falling apart at age 40 and crippled by arthritis at 60? I was amazed watching the girls' gymnastics and hearing about all of the injuries those tiny little girls had.

It got me thinking about my 2.5 year-old daughter. Obviously, you don't want to be over-protective with your kids, but how much is too much? Is there a sport you wouldn't let your child participate in?

[Rhonda]

Funny, my fiance and I were just talking about that last night. I agree with you. These children are getting injured far too often and unnecessarily. I think they are pushed way too hard and the fact that they have to be away from their families for so long. Last night they were talking about one of the girls that sees her dad twice a year because of her training. It's sad.

[Carrie Earls]

Twice per year?

That's unimaginable. Anything that would take my child away from me so that her father and I could not see her daily, and remain the primary influence in her life, would not even be a consideration.

How could we possilby obey the Lord's command to raise our children in His ways and statutes if we farmed them out to someone else like that? The Scriptures that instruct me in parenting my children all require MY time, MY presence, and MY concentrated effort!

Anyway, as for broken bones . . . this becomes an issue even in regular childhood sports. Remember, Jim, how many times Will (our brother) got broken bones while playing sports? Or sprained something? And yet neither you nor I ever broke anything (at least I know I didn't) while playing organized sports.

When you got hit by that car while attempting to ride your skateboard down our driveway, across the alley, and into the neighbor's driveway, what did Mom and Dad do? I doubt that they gave their blessing to you ever riding your skateboard that way again. They probably gave you very specific, new instructions!

Anyway, I guess I lean the direction of letting my kids try things and learn their limitations. If they were to really injure themselves (break a bone, or worse) two times doing the same activity, I would find another, more suitable activity!

Oh ... yes, there is a sport I would not let my child play. Hockey!! (Although it is one of my favorite to watch! Is that hypocritical???)

[jamesglewisf]

I agree with you, Carrie. I was just wondering if there were sports you wouldn't let your kid participate in. So far, I think hockey is the only one on our list.