Raising an athlete

Being that my son is barely into preschool I don't know what is in store for us in the coming years but I have always spoke with Mr. M about how I want to be completely open minded about our son playing competitive sports. {Competitive as in 1 team gets a trophy because they are #1...Not where everyone gets one because "we're all winners"}
I played sports-yes, cheerleading is a sport-until I graduated and if I had gone to a sports college I would have participated. Anyways, Sports kept me in school, I knew if I wanted to play that day I had to be in school, at least part of the day!
My parents were always active: lifting, kayaking, hikes, running and diving. This gave me a good foundation to try everything under the sun.


Everything you do affects your child. Activities, food choices, game systems,

Respecting yourself

When children see you are accepting of you own body and how your treat it they will feel the same about theirs. Too many children grow up with unhealthy ideals of what perfect should be.

Positivity is key

Children don't "diet." I don't even think they should know the meaning of it. Healthy eating, better choices, or trying new things is a better approach to food.
Your kid wont be good at everything they try. They will trip, miss, pick daisies and wonder off. Keeping a level head about it and redirecting them will help them see whats important more than you screaming at them. Which lead us to:

Make things worth trying

If by chance your child does not want to go to practice find a way to make it appealing. Forcing them will cause a brick wall. They'll go but when given the option to go again wont see it as a fun occasion. They will resent you for pushing. Give them options but take a back seat. They will find where they fit and what they enjoy; they just need exposure, support, and for you to be there.

As we rebuild our home gym we have been considering a program like CrossFit Kids. I want Little M to have the best advantage while competing and CrossFit will give him this. He doesn't mind eating clean so that isnt a hurdle. "CrossFit Kids workouts consist of constantly varied, functional movements that deliver a fitness that is broad, inclusive and general and scaleable for any participant at any level."  His high energy will now be focused and give him the skills that he uses in everyday play-"pull, push, run, throw, climb, lift and jump." -CF Kids

What will your approach be?