Children and Competitive Sports

There are many questions asked when it comes to children and competitive sports such as what age is it okay to start kids in competitive sports? How do you balance a child who wants to participate in competitive sports? And, should they even be allowed to play those types of sports at all? There are many different opinions on this topic, and this article seems to think kids and competitive sports should not go hand in hand. Yes, the author makes some good points, but I'd say I disagree with it as a whole. Life in general involves competition, so why not make it more active and physical with sports? Everyone loses at some point, and that is apart of learning and growing as a person, as well as an athlete. Sports are a major part of some people's childhoods, and without them they wouldn't be where they are today. They can provide as a stress reliever, a place to make friends, and a getaway from everyday life. They teach people how to lose, and how to deal with that loss. Then when you win it makes it that much better. I grew up playing basketball and tennis, both very competitive sports where I would win and lose. Such as when we played our first intramural flag football game; We lost, but no one seemed to care because we were all having such a fun time playing together as a group. Competitive sports makes you determined to try your hardest, and aim for your best.