Here’s 7 Reasons Why Early Athletic Specialization Can Negatively Affect Your Child

At Competitive Thread, we value objective science-based ideas and what we have found is that early specialization isn’t the best option for a developing child. Holistic approaches that teach your child to be a leader in all areas of their life is and will always be the preferred method! This is what we’re trying to teach in our development classes!

Here are 7 reasons why early specialization can hinder, rather than help, a child’s development!

  1. It can lead to isolation from friends and peers.  http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/early-sport-specialization-may-interfere-with-healthy-child-development-increase-social-isolation
  2. There is no guarantee for future athletic success. http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/early-sport-specializiation-no-guarantee-of-future-success
  3. It can hurt, rather than help, early athletic development. http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/parenting-elite-athletes/specialization/specializing-in-single-sport-early-hurts-athletic-development
  4. It can create elitism by creating the “haves” and the “have-nots” http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/parenting-elite-athletes/specialization/early-travel-team-play-fosters-elitism
  5. Leads to overuse and injuries. http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/-overuse-injury-epidemic-result-year-round-play-too-many-teams-at-same-time
  6. It’s usually an adult pushing the early specialization, not the child. http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/specializing-in-single-sport-early-travel-team-play-not-in-the-best-interest-of
  7. It often leads to burnout. http://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/specializing-in-single-sport-early-travel-team-play-lead-to-burnout

Are there any we missed? Anything you disagree or agree with? Let us know by commenting on Facebook or Twitter!