Does anyone here have a very young athlete?

[expecting-joy]

I'm not sure where to post this, but I was wondering if there are some parents here with experience with very young athletes. We're in a situation that makes me a bit uncomfortable and some BTDT might help me navigate it.

[TiredX2]

? Not sure what you mean.

[expecting-joy]

A child who is being pulled toward a precocious competitive athletic track. Coaches want the child in with much older kids, doing things the child is fully capable of and loves, but that are very, very exceptional for the age.

[KCMichigan]

w/o knowing more detail I will offer some info.

Not my DDs, but a girl on the gymnastics team at the local gym.

She is a good 2 yrs younger than other team mates (she is 6) and competes competitively.

Her parents talk to their Dr and talked about what was 'healthy' for her age and development.

Together, they adapted the program to fit her. She leaves a bit earlier than teammates, she does not do *all* the activities. She understands why and the *specialness* of being able to compete w/ the older kids.

That is the compromise they made to make sure she was able to enjoy her talents, participate as she wanted to and still be healthy (per Dr) and not do damage to her developing bones/joints. The Coach agreed. It keeps her learning, advancing, and safe.

Maybe something like that would work for your DC.

If you are not feeling good about something---go with your gut----your DC might not be old enough to make an educated choice on what is good for her. Consult your Dr as well. Young athletes can do lasting damage if they push too hard---they dont know how to set limits and listen to their bodies, they need wise Coaches and parents and Drs to help them learn.

[expecting-joy]

Thank you. That is helpful. I'm wondering if consulting the pediatrician is sufficient or if someone in sports medicine would be more appropriate. I'm also very interested in the social component - you know, general advice on how to help coaches help the child. The child seems to be put forward as a social example a lot, and I'd like them to stop doing that, but I'd like to address all general concerns and ideas at once, if there are a number of things to consider. We want the child to be in a good situation, but don't know how to know what is too much.