Most parents consider putting their child in some after school sport from an early age. Many of them change their minds when they realize how expensive and time-consuming that sport will be for them and their child.

Although some sports can be hard on the wallet, they may be worth the sacrifice. Sports activities do involve considerable time commitment, but there are some reasons why that can be beneficial to your child.

Two of my grandchildren were involved in sports since they were preschoolers. One is a boy and the other is a girl. Both of them started playing soccer as recreation when they were that age. They enjoyed the high physical activity of playing soccer on a regular basis. Neither of them were disciplinary problems at home or at school throughout their school years.

My grandson is the oldest and has a very calm personality. On the soccer field, he was a dynamo player. He developed physically and became very well toned. He was very self disciplined both in his academics and in his sports activities. He was at the top of his class all through school even though he spent a lot of time involved with both soccer practice and games.

His parents never had any trouble getting him to go to bed on time. He was worn out from practicing soccer. He ate a healthy diet to stay in good shape for all the physical energy he put into soccer. Year after year, he continued to play soccer and continued to excel in his classes.

When he graduated from high school, he was well known in his communities both for his reputation in soccer but also for his impeccable character. He went on to college and graduated with an engineering degree. Now he is employed as an engineer and is very happily married to his college sweetheart.

My grand daughter has a totally different personality. Although she is very quiet and unassuming, physically she has always been very hyper. She is in a constant state of motion. When she isn’t practicing dance moves, she is kicking a soccer ball.

Not only has she been involved in soccer from an early age, she also played basketball all through school. Besides her time spent in sports, she was in dance classes and recitals from the age of four until she was in 9th grade.

Even though she has been very busy with all the practices and games, she continued to carry a full academic load. She has continued to have an excellent grade point average all through school. Now that she can drive, her parents are relieved of some of their transporting duties. Most of the time, her parents have taken turns attending her games and recitals, always supporting her efforts.

She has never gotten into trouble at school or with law enforcement. Neither has her brother. Maybe they never got in trouble because they didn’t have time with all their sports commitments. She hasn’t shown any interest in dating either. She said she just doesn’t have time right now. However, she has gone to proms and other special school activities. Her dates for these events have been boys she knows from her sports teams.

When she graduates this summer, she will be attending college with a soccer scholarship. She is very excited about going to college even though she has no career plans yet. She is a very sweet innocent girl, but a dynamo, like her brother, when she is on the field. Even when her team doesn’t win, she is happy because she just loves to play.

My conclusions are that sports involvement is good for children. It teaches them how to work as a team player. Sports activities require self discipline which is good because it helps build a good foundation for their adult lives.

Having something specific to do with their time is beneficial and keeps them from feeling bored. Sports involvement gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. Those children and teens who are active in sports haven’t got time to think about getting into trouble. Doesn’t it sound like it is worth your financial and time investment?