For some kids, quitting a sport is done quite easily. They may have never really had their heart and soul vested in the activity. However, many kids quit a sport that they truly do love. Some may have been playing a sport for many long years or perhaps for most of their young lives. Kids quit sports for many reasons. Some need to focus on their schoolwork more. Some may be quitting one sport to devote more time to another sport. Some may have gotten seriously injured, and the child and parents alike made the decision to quit. However the decision was made, it no doubt will be met with significant emotions for months to come.
Filling the Time: As a parent, you know first-hand just how much time your child spent on that sport. He or she may have practiced several times a week or more. There may have been weekly games, scrimmages, matches and more. Even during breaks from school, he or she may have attended extra practice sessions, sports camps and other special events. Without this sport, your child will have a lot of free time. This means that he or she will have a lot of time to reflect on what he or she is missing out on now. Consider helping your child find new ways to fill the time in a productive and interesting way.
Focus on the Positive: Most kids quit a sport for a specific reason, although not always by their own free will. Sometimes the decision is made for them, such as after an accident or if parents have said it is interfering with schoolwork. You can help your child focus on the positive aspects of quitting. For instance, now they may have more time to spend with friends, or they may no longer get in trouble for bringing home bad grades.
Saving Money and Time: Most sports are quite expensive on parents. While your child is depressed and moping, you may secretly be breathing a sigh of financial relief. No longer do you have to pay for special training clothes and shoes, sports gear, training sessions, team fees and more. While you are saving this money, you can consider treating your child to something special, such as a new phone or a special trip. Consider that you also have extra free time now that you are not attending games and practices with your child. The two of you can get into a fun habit of seeing a movie in the middle of the week or doing something special together to spend time with each other.
It can be quite an adjustment when a child quits a sport, but you can turn lemons into lemonade with some effort.
Here are a few other articles written by this author:
How Positive is Your Parenting?
Helping Your Kids Through Fights with Friends
Kids and Friend Drama: When to Step In
