As a public educator and (very) former high school indoor/outdoor track thrower, I'm all for the skills that are developed both on and off the field through athletic competition. Highly valuable and important for so many kids. What I'm not all for, very much to your D1 points, is the amount of pressure that many parents now put on their children to compete and excel often without even asking them what they actually want. Youth sports, especially when it becomes a gatekeeper for school sports (don't even get me started about access and equity for all) is one more example in our current society where the culture has gotten so out of control because folks are CONSTANTLY comparing themselves and trying to outdo one another. Wow - look at how you triggered me about sport stuff, guys! That hardly ever happens. Congratulations! Great conversation as always.
As a public educator and (very) former high school indoor/outdoor track thrower, I'm all for the skills that are developed both on and off the field through athletic competition. Highly valuable and important for so many kids. What I'm not all for, very much to your D1 points, is the amount of pressure that many parents now put on their children to compete and excel often without even asking them what they actually want. Youth sports, especially when it becomes a gatekeeper for school sports (don't even get me started about access and equity for all) is one more example in our current society where the culture has gotten so out of control because folks are CONSTANTLY comparing themselves and trying to outdo one another. Wow - look at how you triggered me about sport stuff, guys! That hardly ever happens. Congratulations! Great conversation as always.
Glad we hit a nerve! Appreciate you listening!!