As a parent of children in their 20s, I have often reminisced about the days when my kids were involved in sports such as baseball and soccer. I vividly remember the excitement and energy that radiated from them as they stepped onto the field for a game or practice. However, I recently discovered that something has changed in the world of youth sports, something that I never thought would become a norm – ending a game or practice with a treat like candy, cookies or donuts.
Growing up, I played sports and my parents were actively involved in my athletic pursuits. Back then, treats were not a regular occurrence in youth sports. In fact, the only treat we received was a post-game snack of orange slices or a few granola bars. It never crossed our minds to expect anything more. We played for the love of the game, for the camaraderie with our teammates and for the sense of achievement when we won a game or improved our skills. The reward was the satisfaction of a job well done, not a sugary treat.
However, in recent years, it seems that end-of-game or practice treats have become the norm in youth sports. As a result, many parents, including myself, have started to question this practice. Is it necessary? Is it beneficial? And most importantly, is it sending the right message to our children?
On the surface, treats may seem harmless and even a fun way to celebrate a game or practice. But when we take a closer look, it becomes evident that this practice has some concerning implications.
First and foremost, the constant availability of treats in youth sports sends the message that food is a reward, and that indulging in unhealthy snacks is something to look forward to. This can create unhealthy eating habits and contribute to the growing problem of childhood obesity. We should be promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for our children, not associating sports with junk food.
Moreover, ending a game or practice with a treat takes away from the real purpose of participating in sports – to learn and improve skills, build teamwork and sportsmanship, and to develop a love for physical activity. When kids are focused on receiving a treat at the end, they can miss out on these important lessons and values.
In addition, treats can create an unequal playing field. Not all families may be able to afford to bring treats for every game or practice, which can leave some kids feeling left out or disappointed. This can also put pressure on parents who may feel obligated to provide treats just to keep their child from feeling excluded.
So, where did this trend of end-of-game or practice treats come from? It is believed that it originated as a way to honor and celebrate a win. However, it has now become a routine occurrence, regardless of the outcome of the game or practice. It’s time to shift our focus from the outcome to the process and the lessons our children are learning through sports.
As parents, coaches, and society as a whole, we need to re-evaluate the use of treats in youth sports. Instead of using food as a reward, let’s celebrate our children’s achievements and hard work with positive reinforcement, encouragement, and recognition. A high-five, a pat on the back, or a simple “great job!” goes a long way in boosting a child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Furthermore, we should focus on providing healthier snack options, such as fruit, vegetables, and trail mix. Not only will this promote healthy eating habits, but it will also fuel our young athletes with the proper nutrients they need to perform at their best.
In conclusion, as someone who has experienced the world of youth sports as a child and as a parent, I strongly believe that ending a game or practice with treats goes against the true essence of sports. Let’s change this trend and teach our children that playing sports is its own reward. Let’s focus on the valuable lessons and skills they are learning and celebrate their achievements in a more meaningful and healthy way. Our children deserve to have a positive and balanced experience in sports, and it starts with us, the parents and coaches, setting the right example.
