should a 6 year old have to practice football four times per week plus a game every saturday?

Question

I feel this is too much so I pulled him out.........good idea or not?

Answer 1

I think 6-years old is too young to start playing football (I am assuming this is tackle football, flag would be okay.) I started playing tackle football when I was 9 and I played it until I graduated high school.

I was lucky to not have any lasting injuries, but many of my friends who went on to college careers are already complaining of aches and pains now they are in their 30's

At 6 he should be playing catch and enjoying being a kid. I think somewhere around jr. high is fine to start him in football.

The Gridiron Grapher
http://www.GridironGraphs.com

Answer 2

I'm on the fence with this one. If he enjoys it and it's not keeping him from doing schoolwork or having that balance with family and other activities, and he's healthy and not over-tired, it should be ok. However, I think at 6 it should be more about learning the social aspect of being part of a team rather than the competitiveness of sports. 4 times a week does seem a bit excessive...even through my teens I only had soccer practice twice a week and one game per weekend (except for tournaments)... but like the other person said, you know your child best.

Answer 3

Being good at something takes dedication. If he enjoys it you should never hold your kids back. If he doesn't enjoy it then there you go. I have a son myself and I am not saying I would push anything on him, but I do have strong values toward dedication. So, if he wants it then he must be dedicated and so must you. I don't care if it is music, soccer, golf, football, or martial arts. Whatever it is you should support him. Teach him the importance of being dedicated once you make that decision that you want to do something like a sport or hobby. Also, this is a good way to discipline with not letting them play if they do not do well in school. I do not believe in whipping but instead I believe in positive and negative reinforcement. So, all in all this could be a benefit to both of you.

Answer 4

Well dang lemony
How the dickens can he EVER expect to get to the NFL and all those millions ?? I mean, come on, don't you feel the NEED to get him into some of that "ready high dollar" stuff -- this is say nothing of the scholarships and later endorsements and national television and fans and .........!!!!!

Hope you catch my drift here ---- the freaking world has gone completely insane !!!
This type of garbage is taking over the lives of our youngsters and the parents who covertly push their children into life decisions because of their OWN desires FOR them !!

You are a wise and caring mom !! Keep up the good work !!
Your youngster will never miss being a part of something so demanding at these younger years that it consumes everything around it to an expense of ALL of the other stuff that make life marvelous for KIDS !!!!!

Answer 5

If he wants to be on the team.
Do you think a child should go to school 5 days a week?
What I'm getting at is if they want to learn how to play then yes.I also think if you think it is too much on him then you did the right thing.I was being sarcastic about going to school 5 days a week.Please don't think I was being a smart alick

Answer 6

It depends on how strenuous the practice and games are... at six years of age, I can't imagine that either of them are too bad. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. At least they're getting exercise instead of sitting around watching TV, playing video games and getting fat.

Answer 7

I had sort of the same experience with my daughter two years ago (when she was six). I put her in cheerleading (through the rec. council) thinking it would be fun for her. HA! It was not only grueling, but it was all about competition. My daughter got to the point that she would cry everyday about going because she "didn't want to get yelled at". It was total b.s. I pulled her out, and eventually ALL of the mothers of the six year olds did likewise.

Answer 8

You're right to do it. A coach who expects that much of six years old is dealing with some serious compensation issues. Plus, he's probably gay.

Answer 9

i think its a matter of whether or not the child is enjoying it or not and whether or not it is interfering with other things that may be more important. the kids i know actually have two games a week and they are in the same age range! if he is just too exhausted i would have him pulled out as well. if it isn't getting in the way of anything else and he loves the heck out of it i say go team! of course you need to follow your instincts on it...parents usually know their kiddoes pretty well.

Answer 10

wow, I thought that 3 times a week was a lot, why dont you ask the coaches what their motive is and what they hope to accomplish, sounds like someone is either lonely or has too much time on their hands. I'd be leary, Good for you to pull your kid out