I have also responded to the urgent emails requesting coaches and yes, 5-year-olds will swarm to that ball, but don't just resign yourself to that. Coaching my sons 5U rec team last year we actually were able to teach some passing and positioning. The kids are allright!
Where do you draw the line? How much freedom can you allow your kids? This question seems eternal to parents, as they want their kids to grow into independent, strong people--but stay safe. And society has definitely changed in so many ways, one of which has been the focus on "safety," with good and bad results. When I was growing up (I'm 71 now), the bunch of kids I knew would be forming our own games, playing outside most of the time, reading books regularly, having quality family time, etc. Unfortunately, our society has devolved to a screen-oriented, outside-of-kids-organized programs condition, with a lack of enough critical thinking skills.
I am 66, and modern parenting would have judged me feral as a kid. Yet back in the day, I would have been judged as a goodie-two-shoes. You are right to give them some slack.
I have also responded to the urgent emails requesting coaches and yes, 5-year-olds will swarm to that ball, but don't just resign yourself to that. Coaching my sons 5U rec team last year we actually were able to teach some passing and positioning. The kids are allright!
Where do you draw the line? How much freedom can you allow your kids? This question seems eternal to parents, as they want their kids to grow into independent, strong people--but stay safe. And society has definitely changed in so many ways, one of which has been the focus on "safety," with good and bad results. When I was growing up (I'm 71 now), the bunch of kids I knew would be forming our own games, playing outside most of the time, reading books regularly, having quality family time, etc. Unfortunately, our society has devolved to a screen-oriented, outside-of-kids-organized programs condition, with a lack of enough critical thinking skills.
I am 66, and modern parenting would have judged me feral as a kid. Yet back in the day, I would have been judged as a goodie-two-shoes. You are right to give them some slack.