What age did you start your child with sports? I was thinking about enrolling my daughter in the “Mommy and me” gymnastics program, but I am not sure if she is old enough. I would also like to get her in soccer. I don’t want to push her too hard too young, I just want her to have fun and get some exercise.

    

How old is your daughter?
I don't know much about gymnastics...
In our town's soccer program, they won't let you sign up your child until they are at least 4 years old. All kids develop differently. Some kids are ready at 4 years old, some others develop later. I think you have the right attitude... You want her to have fun and get some exercise.

I started my son in sports at age 3. Nothing too much. Just six week classes at a time. We did basketball and t-ball. He is now five and in soccer and loves it. I think 3 or 4 is good. Nothing competitive, just for fun.

If your child is old enough to follow instructions, she or he can start playing sports. Soccer is a great sport for kids because it develops aerobic and anaerobic capacity and improves bone density and leg development. Bodyweight exercises like pushups, squats and pullups are good too.

I think you should let them participate as soon as they show an interest. My family is very athletic, so the kids are exposed to a lot of different things. Right now my thirteen year old is interested in archery but she started sports at five.

I agree that any age can be fine - each kid will be so different, so you just have to gauge it from there. But, keep in mind each kid will develop differently, and you can cause problems with bone and muscle growth in kids if they take on too much, too young.

personally, I started dancing at the age of 3, and never stopped from there... I danced, played every sport you can imagine, and still am active (won't tell you my age). I can say I did ruin my shins where I no longer can run or do various activities I used to enjoy, but those injuries came later in life from training for marathons - not likely due to starting at a young age.