Is it time to be a Soccer Mom???

Or maybe a T-ball, gymnastics, karate, or ice-skating Mom? Has the olympics got you thinking that you are already way behind with your kids?!? If your children are approaching the age of 3, chances are you have thought about your kids joining a sports team or starting a new activity. But how do we as newbies in this sports world navigate that crazy system? What activity is best? At what age? What league or organization? When you live in a city the size of Dallas, these are tough questions!

I have done some research and informal surveying of veteran moms to compile a list of options in the city. There is no shortage of choices!

1. YMCA – Gymnastics and Soccer (small fry) starting at at 3, Basketball starting at age 4. Offerings vary by location, so check and see what is available in your area.
2. City of Dallas – Gymnastics, Soccer, Basketball, Ballet starting at age 3. Karate at age 4. There are facilities all over the city, so find the one in your neighborhood. The surrounding cities have great programs to choose from too.
3. Soccer Tots – Soccer programs starting at 18 months old. (How cute would that be???) They also have facilities all over and will schedule a custom class for a group of four or more kiddos.
4. Galleria Ice Skating – This would be a break from the traditional! How about ice skating classes. They start for young toddlers and go up from there.
5. Horseback Riding would be another really fun option. The ones I found in the city start for older children, but I know there are some more suburban that start younger. If you have any good referrals, let us know!

If gymnastics is something your kids would be into, the options for programs are really endless. Here is a list of some available in the city: ASI, The Little Gym, Woga, Dallas Gym. There are countless soccer associations and dance studios too. If you have any recommendations for the rest of us, please comment!

So with SO many options…how do you choose? Based on my Mom survey, it seems to really depend on the child. When they are this young, the activities should be fun first, over all else. Let them do things that they enjoy and don’t force them into activities they won’t like or are afraid of. Try and get to know the teachers/coaches too. They may set the tone for your child’s interest in sports for a long time. Some may seem harsh or too intense for such young children. Unfortunately, it may be trial and error for a few rounds until you find the right fit, but keep trying! Above all else, we all need to remember that important lessons in life should be taught at home, and the sports and activities are just the fun gravy!

Good luck little athletes or even future Olympians!