Let Them Play

In my book: Carrying Lawn Chairs, I often point out that I oppose organized sports for young people 10 and under, though I now believe 12 and under. To me it seems obvious that the young people aren't having fun. I t seems that it is all about the parents and their ego and self worth. They put their kids in sports early in hopes to give them a chance to play later on. I believe that is not the case, in fact it harms their chances in my opinion. Young kids get burnt out. Parents are so obsessed at getting their kids involved in sports and to be a success at it.
And at the games, many parents are screaming the whole time at their kids, other kids, umpires and even coaches. One question, is anyone having fun? It is my belief that it is a dysfunctional scene. The young kids know they don't want to be there, but they know their parents want them to be so they do it for their parents love, which is so important to young children.
Children so need to authentically play, organized youth sports gets in the way of that. They better learn to play in pick up games where they aren't afraid to make mistakes. They play in fear in organized sports. I say get rid of organized sports for those 12 and under and let them actually play.