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Soccer. The little ones are so funny to watch when playing soccer -- they are like this little pack that all runs close together around the field LOL
My granddaughter just started soccer and it is hysterical. Funniest part was when she suddenly got this burst of energy and mowed through two tackles and kicked in a goal. It was funny because she is SO all-girly-girl, but she sucks at tap & ballet. We were looking at each other like, Wha....? It was great.
You said that your kids started playing football at 5 and 6, but the OP's kid is just turning 4. Football here doesn't start until 5, so her kid would be too young. I just checked, and the only sport that will take a four-year-old here (very youth sport centric area) is soccer. In fact, he'd even be too young for soccer due to his later birthday. For what it's worth, I (hugely into sports) think four is too young for organized sports.
If he wants to throw a ball around, take him out to play catch like parents used to do before any sport started at four.
I agree that 4 is too young for some kids. Soccer was the only sport that took 4-yr-olds here also, and the local Y had a soccer camp for 3-yr-olds.
Team sports is hard at this age for many reasons, especially maturity. On our first soccer team, the practices went well, but during our first game two of the boys suddenly turned clingy, cried, and wouldn't leave their dads' side. One couldn't even play, he was so overcome.
And the problem is that you never know how your kids will react in the moment. Sometimes they surprise you with what they CAN handle, though.
Birth order makes a difference, too. My youngest has brothers 7 years older than him. So he was READY to do anything. He could not wait to get sports gear on, it almost didn't matter what kind. But a firstborn may not want to.
I checked the Y nearest the OP, and their flag football program doesn't start till 5 either. So she may have to settle for a family "team" in the backyard for a while, or else just try soccer like so many of us do.
I'd recommend gymnastics, both my kids did it and it was fun while expending energy. Swimming is great for that age group, and important. Soccer and flag football are both fun too, but maybe better in a year or two.
My son will be 4 in November. All last season he watched football with dh and said he wanted to throw a ball "like the big guys". Now we told him the season is about to start again soon and he is still talking about throwing a ball. We bought him a football and he runs around the park with it.
I was wondering if this is too early to start an organized sport. He is rather fast for his age and very resilient-rarely cries when he skins his knee, etc. Clearly the sport won't be football, but what would be the best choice?
4 is definitely not too early for organized sports. For kids who have that desire, it's never too early. They mature VERY fast on the playing field. I am not a father (yet, I hope to be one in the next 2 years), but I run a sports foundation as well as being a board member, founder and coach at a K-8 school. The younger the kids start, the better they are at taking instructions, following directions and working with others. Team sports are especially important to start young, but individual sports can teach a lot of discipline too. I train with several fighters who have these crazy kids...and the second they get put into boxing or MMA classes they become calmer and better behaved.
I started Little League and AYSO at age 4. AYSO started just weeks after my 4th birthday, Little League was when I was 4.5. Not all leagues will allow such young kids to participate, but my niece and nephew were able to join teams at that age and they loved it.
As an added bonus, it's a REALLY CHEAP BABYSITTING service for an hour to get some errands done while the coach takes care of your kid. It's also a great way to connect with your child by taking an interest in their sport without pressuring them.
Sign your little guy up for football, he'll love it and you'll see plenty of benefits from it.
For what it's worth, I (hugely into sports) think four is too young for organized sports.
If he wants to throw a ball around, take him out to play catch like parents used to do before any sport started at four.
This.
My nephew's first year of soccer (age 4?) I attended one game. A couple kids on each team were truly involved in the game. A few others were enjoying being on the field. The rest of the kids would have preferred to quit at the first drink break. A few cried: Do I have to keep playing? When is it over?
My great-nephew wanted to play soccer the first year he was eligible. He was coordinated, energetic, and wanted to join a team. He spent practices fussing, complaining, and running off from the practice area.
My cousin coaches little ones in football - including his own kids. He uses candy to bribe the kids and keep them happy.
Swim team start at age 7 here....and while I think swim lessons are VERY important for all kids...they are much different than a team.
I was on a swim team from when I was 5 until about 16-17. I know that its much different then swim lessons. But if the OP is interested in this suggestion made by another poster, then her son would first need to know how to swim. A 4 year old is old enough to learn how to swim, so it would be a good activity to participate in if there are no other sports in the OPs area for a 4 year old to participate in.
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