Kids in Soccer? A recent study suggests that sports can be too much of a good thing.

Sports = Bullies?

In a research study published in Developmental Psychology, Richard Lerner, Ph.D., professor of child development at Tufts’ School of Arts and Sciences reported that kids who “participate exclusively in sports have among the lowest scores on competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring, and a related positive quality, contribution. They also have the highest scores on behaviors such as bullying, substance use and depression.”

Substance Abuse?

Just Add 4-H to Reverse Detrimental Effects

The same study found that out of school programs that involve adult mentorship, life skills training, and opportunities for youth leadership can reverse any detrimental effects from a sports-only focus.

“…youth who combine sports with participation in a youth development program have the highest scores for positive development and contribution and the lowest scores for risk and problem behavior. Youth development programs are out-of-school-time activities that involve adult mentorship, life skills training, and opportunities for youth leadership. They include programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, Scouts and The First Tee.”

It should be noted that the researchers were paid by 4-H to develop a prior report.

We’ve all seen the parents who shuttle kids from swim practice to soccer to dance and to camps covering the same in the summer. These must be the exception in order to stand out. My guess is that most of us have good balance in our children’s activities.