From the Podcast:

As parents, we all want our kids to be the best they can be so getting them into competitive sports seems like the right idea. But there are some costs to consider before making that decision.

Talking Points:

  • Cost #1: Time. This cost is about both your time and your child’s time. Depending on the sport and your child’s level, you may need to drive your child to practice multiple times per week or travel for games or competitions. This cost of time can also affect your child’s other priorities, such as school, extracurricular activities, or hobbies.
  • Cost #2: Money. The financial cost of a competitive sport depends on the sport, but for many families, competitive sports takes a toll on their finances. Make sure you have realistic expectations for scholarships in the future.
  • Cost #3: Emotional investment. Sometimes competitive sports can lead to pressure to perform or comparison to other athletes. This pressure can affect your child’s identity or self-esteem. Regardless of your child’s skill level, don’t allow your child’s identity to be wrapped up in his or her performance.
  • As you parent and decide on the role sports should play in your child’s life, keep the most important goal in mind: to model and assist in a lifelong pursuit of God. Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What role do sports play in your child’s life and in your family’s life?
  3. What is the cost of sports on your time? What is the cost of sports on your child’s time? What have you had to sacrifice to keep these commitments?
  4. What is the financial cost of sports for your family? What have you had to sacrifice to keep your kids involved? 
  5. What are the emotional costs of sports for your child? How have you seen them grow through sports? How have you seen them struggle?
  6. Have you looked into the statistics for how many kids get a full ride scholarship in any sport? How do you need to temper your expectations and that of your child based on this information?
  7. Read Deuteronomy 6:5-9. A parent’s job is to raise their kids to know and fear the Lord. How does playing a sport affect your child’s pursuit of God? How can you make more time for God in your weekly schedule?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?