Copyright © 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc.

Megan Miller

Sep 27, 2008

As the summer season fades into fall, children begin to enroll in after-school and weekend sports. While many experts encourage young kids to get active at an early age, they also caution parents to watch for signs of overactivity.

Gordie Theisen, a coach and consultant for GT Athletic Consulting & Baseball Instruction in Adrian, Mich., said that in his opinion, there are too many kids playing too many games at too young an age.

At earlier ages, Theisen said, the focus should be on having fun and not on competition.

“Competing isn’t that important,” he said.

The best way to encourage kids is not to play one sport all year round, he said. Children should switch up the sports every season.

“There are so many areas of entertainment, and more and more opportunity to sit stagnant. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to participate and move, and it is up to we parents to make sure it is in our kids’ lives,” said Brian McEwan, a physical therapist at Gary Gray Physical Therapy in Adrian. “It’s an extremely positive thing for young kids to get involved.”

McEwan added that children start getting involved — especially in soccer, gymnastics and swimming — as young as 3 years old. Programs geared toward children younger than 8 years old, he said, should place an emphasis on movement and participation.

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