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American Morning
More Parents Pushing Toddlers into Competitive Sports
Aired June 17, 2002 - 08:49 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: You don't have to be a big golf fan to figure that yesterday's U.S. Open winner Tiger woods did not develop that picture perfect golf swing overnight. The result of years of practice that began at the ripe old age of 2. That's when Tiger started. Now, more and more parents are moved by the same dream and are pushing their toddlers into competitive sports at earlier and earlier ages.
Kathy Slobogin has their story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You going to start it over there? OK, let's see.
KATHY SLOBOGIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): OK, so she's not Venus Williams. And Andre Agassi probably has nothing to worry about from this player. But then, he's only 2.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This way.
SLOBOGIN: These children are part of the downward creep in sports taking hold around the country, children starting organized sports at ages when their parents were still in sand boxes. These 2 and 3-year-olds in Montgomery County, Maryland are practicing their golf swing. The county even has 30 classes for infants, ranging from music to massage. Three years ago, there were none.
In Loudon County, Virginia, soccer classes begin at 3. County sports officials say parents are constantly asking for more.
RICK OLDFIELD, LOUDON CO. PARKS AND RECREATION: It's almost as they're ready to start walking, they're ready to put a bat or put a soccer ball in front of them and start going.
SUNNY ERLANGER, MOTHER: I think you have an edge starting at 3. It's gotten so competitive around this area, that you have to start them younger.
SLOBOGIN: Some parents dream of college scholarships and future superstars.
Sunny Erlanger's daughter, Page, is 3. ERLANGER: This is her second sport. Tennis is really her first sport. We have her playing tennis every day now. So maybe one day she'll be the next Venus or Serena, we're hoping.
SLOBOGIN: Whether or not these classes are grooming superstars, they're certainly a breeding ground for some interesting new moves, Like crawling toward the goal. Here, 3-year-old Andrew demonstrates his unique dribbling style, clutching his pockets to keep his pennies from falling out. And Kaylee (ph) takes frequent breaks to pick flowers for her mother.
These kids seem to be having fun. The real challenge is making the fun last.
(on camera): A survey of American schoolchildren found at age 11, kids start dropping out of sports. By age 15, 70 percent have quit their favorite sport. One of the top reasons? It wasn't fun any more.
DR. ERIC SMALL, SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER FOR YOUNG ATHLETES: Why is it not fun? Because it becomes too competitive, they're not getting enough playing time, they're frustrated.
SLOBOGIN (voice-over): Besides burnout, Dr. Eric Smalls says the trend towards pushing young kids into intensive competition in one sport is causing a major increase in overuse injury, injuries which are harder to cure.
SMALL: They develop stress fractures and tendinitis due to the fact that they're not resting their muscles, and they keep overusing them. So 10, 15 years ago, we saw maybe 5 percent of those type of injuries, and now we're seeing 75 percent.
SLOBOGIN: Nobody is saying you'll damage your 3-year-old by teaching him to rush the net, although it might be wise to watch where you stand.
SMALL: But experts say the best way to avoid problems is make sure the kids are having fun. And the kids will let you know.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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