Help...should my child play baseball?

Question

We have 2 sons ages 7 & 9. Last year they both played baseball. But our 7 yr. old whined about not wanting to practice. He says he wants to play this year. We try encoraging him to do little things for himself that he should be doing at his age like pick up his toys, tie his shoes, ride his bike..he won't peddle it. He acts lazy & we are frustrated about it. We told him he could choose a different sport but he says he wants to play baseball. My husband doesn't want to waist time practicing with him if he's going to cry about it and wanting to play with toys instead. Our oldest son is playing this year & enjoys his dad practicing with him. Heck it's good father -son quality time anyways. What should we do? I don't want our youngest son to feel left out. Should we just let him play or what? I love both my sons equally and always try doing the same for both. I'm just lost on what we should do about this. Any advice?

Answer 1

Get him to tell you about last year. Jog his memory about your husbands side of view. Explain that Dad wants to spend time with him, also, but maybe baseball can be his brother's time with Dad, he can pick whatever he wants to do. I bet he sees the two of them practicing, and can't discern that's it's about the time they spend together, not 'baseball' that would be special. After that, I guess you might have to give it a try...it wouldn't be the first time a child changed his mind over the course of a year.

Answer 2

he's a kid...sounds like your oldest is more of an exception than the norm. kids will start one thing and lose interest and want to do something else.

it's good that you are practicing with him, but maybe he doesn't want to do baseball at home and at practice and games. how about letting him play with toys when he's home and if he wants to play ball with dad and brother, then o.k., if not, then no biggie.

it's good way to start instilling a good "stick with it" attitude, however, be ready for him to try many things....he's a kid and will try many "hats" on in life before he finds himself.

take care:)

Answer 3

Let him play if he wants to play. But, leave the practicing to when he has practice AT baseball. If he doesnt like to practice with your husband, don't make him. My 6yr old played summer ball last years and will play this summer. He loves to play but he does NOT like to practice with my husband. He'll practice at baseball practice but he has NO interest in doing it with his dad. My 7yr old LOVES baseball, He likes to stay after games and keep hitting balls, he loves to practice in the yard, etc.
The thing is..if he WANTS to play, if he LIKES to play...why risk turning him against it by MAKING him practice with your husband? Try to find something ELSE for your husband and him to share. Practicing baseball is obviously something the 9yr old likes to do with your husband. Maybe the 7yr old DOESN'T like to do practice with him BECAUSE the 9yr old does. Im assuming the 9yr old is a better ball player, right? Maybe the 7yr old is afraid of looking inferior to his brother to your husband. If they find a hobby to do together that they both like, Im sure everyone will be much happier. :) Good Luck.

Answer 4

tell him he can play baseball if he will practice in the backyard with you (or hubby) for 30 minutes without whining or begging to do something else. Make him prove his abilitly to do it without complaining before you let him play out in the world. If he starts to whine during the backyard time, don't get mad or punish, just
say "i see that you aren't ready to play baseball" just matter of fact.

Answer 5

If your child wants to play baseball i think you should let the child play if thats what the child wants to play .

Answer 6

Maybe if you could enlist his older brother for encourgement. maybe some praise from his older brother would be just what he needs.