How Money and Mania are Ruining Kids' Sports -

“Somewhere along the way, kids’ sports stopped being for kids” says Linda Flanagan, author of “Take Back The Game.”

“Hold on,’ you might think. ‘I want my kids in the game because exercise and team sports deliver virtues and advantages; they build character, promote well-being, and foster social connection’….but…Thanks to the extravagant investments in kids’ sports, parents’ Olympian commitment to their children’s recreation, and the exalted role of athletics in higher education, much of what we love about youth sports- and why we want our children to play- has been eroded,” says Linda Flanagan in her fantastic book “Take Back The Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids’ Sports and Why It Matters.”

Linda tells us everything about the state of kids’ Sports in Episode 10 of “Screen Less Play More” podcast. And most importantly, how we can change things! Listen below!

Take Back The Game

Linda gave a fantastic interview to The Screen Less Play More Podcast! She answers parents’ burning questions: Is it important for kids to do sports? Why do 70% of kids quit sports? Do kids who play sports do better in life? At what age should a child choose a sport? The pros and cons of organized sports. What percentage of kids get athletic scholarships? Should I let my child quit a sport? Why should kids play sports?

Linda Flanagan, Is it important for kids to do sports? Why do 70% of kids quit sports? Do kids who play sports do better in life? At what age should a child choose a sport? The pros and cons of organized sports. What percentage of kids get athletic scholarships? Should I let my child quit a sport? Why should kids play sports? Take Back The Game

Take Back Your Body

During the podcast, Linda warns parents to “delay specialization as long as possible. Even if your kid’s really good.” One of the main reasons for this is the risk of injury. She says, “First of all, they’re most likely going to get hurt at some point down the road, like in high school, tear an ACL. One in twenty kids who play sports tears a knee ligament. Then they’re really lost. Then they’re really, really lost. They need to have multiple sources of meaning in their lives, other things that give them a sense of identity besides being an athlete.”

Is it important for kids to do sports? Why do 70% of kids quit sports? Do kids who play sports do better in life? At what age should a child choose a sport? The pros and cons of organized sports. What percentage of kids get athletic scholarships? Should I let my child quit a sport? Why should kids play sports? Take Back The Game

Take Back Your Life

Linda, author of “Take Back The Game” emphasizes that kids need outlets that are outside of sports. And she REALLY thinks that parents need to have interests that aren’t solely focused on their childrens’ sports careers. She tells the podcast, “I also recommend missing some games because again, fundamentally, the kids’ sports is for them. It’s not for us. It’s to help them grow and learn and have some bad experiences and have some good experiences. And if they’re gonna be good at it, it’s up to them. It’s not because they’re trying to please us in the stand.”

Take Back Your Play!

Linda tells the podcast, “One of the big problems, in my view, with organized sports that starts at such a ridiculously young age is that kids just need unstructured play. They can go out in the yard, play with a ball.” Click here for ideas on outdoor play, screen-free toys and games, and the importance of unstructured play in childhood! We also have a fantastic podcast episode with play expert Sally Swiatek, who explains that “what kids learn through play is essential.” So take back your play and take back the game!