The One-Sport Rule That Can Keep Your Family Balanced And Unscheduled

During my childhood, I engaged in various sports, including softball, basketball, soccer, cross country, and track. I even tried my hand at dance. My parents were supportive of my interests but established a couple of guidelines: I had to complete the season for any sport I chose, and I could only participate in one sport per season.

I initially thought their rules were just to keep things organized. However, now that I’m a mother with children beginning their own sports journeys, I understand that, beyond maintaining some order, my parents aimed to prioritize family time, manage their budget, and permit me the chance to simply enjoy being a child.

Experts suggest that children who are over-scheduled might struggle with essential adult skills such as relationship building and coping with difficulties. Furthermore, some parents might feel compelled to enroll their children in various sports and extracurricular activities, driven by what their peers are doing.

As a parent now, I consciously limit my children’s activities to prevent over-scheduling. This approach has greatly benefited our family, and here’s how:

It simplifies our schedule

With my boys being 4 and 6 years old, only my oldest has chosen to participate in team sports. Consequently, we dedicate one night each week and Saturday mornings to his soccer commitments.

This setup means we only have to manage one night of rushing from the bus stop to school pickups and back home, squeezing in dinner before heading to practice, and returning home for a late second dinner, showers, and likely a bedtime that stretches into the night.

While I appreciate the lessons sports teach, like sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of physical activity, I cannot fathom maintaining such a hectic schedule more than once a week. My children are also young enough that we don’t yet need to consider time for homework or school projects.

It lets us prioritize family time

I often joke that I’m on “Team Skip,” allowing my kids to miss games occasionally in favor of family activities. With my husband traveling frequently for work during the week, weekends often serve as our sole opportunity for family time.

Recently, we decided to take a brief trip to a local theme park and hotel, resulting in my 6-year-old missing a soccer game. Remarkably, he didn’t even mind. For me, that time spent together as a family was far more valuable.

We save money

In our region, youth sports can be pricey. For instance, a single session of a local preschool soccer program can exceed $180. This is why, when my youngest chose not to participate in sports this fall, I opted not to pressure him. At just 4 years old, he falls below the age recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which states most kids aren’t ready for team sports until they are 6.

Additionally, the savings can be redirected towards other expenses: family outings, holiday trips, or even contributions to his college fund.

It gives them time to be kids

I truly appreciate youth sports; I played soccer throughout my childhood and into college, and I hope my boys will have a similar experience. Soccer has significantly shaped my identity and fostered some of my longest-lasting friendships.

Yet, the importance of being a child should not be overshadowed. The AAP has consistently emphasized the vital role of play in a child’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.

By limiting my children’s after-school commitments, I’ve granted them valuable time each day for unstructured play with friends, imaginative games, and outdoor activities.

Other activities sometimes make the cut

Though I adhere to allowing only one sport each season, I’m open to other activities that fit our schedule and budget. My children have been able to participate in an after-school STEM program, Cub Scouts, and a sports program that is part of my preschooler’s school day.

Many of these activities are more cost-effective because they are linked to their school. Another advantage? I didn’t have to sacrifice another weeknight or weekend morning for them.