Why Do Children Need To Play, Not Compete, By Jessica Statsky
Fear, Social Growth, Sports, and Young Children
In Jessica Statsky’s essay, “Children Need to Play, Not Compete,” Statsky concludes that adults’ emphasis on competition in children’s sports can be physically, psychologically, and developmentally harmful for children. While this claim cannot be denied, many of her other claims (that children fear sports and that children ages six to twelve should never be exposed to competition) are debatable. Considering the importance of and amount of participation in children’s sports in America, it is important to understand that because of adult over-protectiveness or pressure, among other reasons, competitive sports have a troublesome reputation. However, this should not be a reason why children are prevented
In Jessica Statsky’s essay, “Children Need to Play, Not Compete,” Statsky concludes that adults’ emphasis on competition in children’s sports can be physically, psychologically, and developmentally harmful for children. While this claim cannot be denied, many of her other claims (that children fear sports and that children ages six to twelve should never be exposed to competition) are debatable. Considering the importance of and amount of participation in children’s sports in America, it is important to understand that because of adult over-protectiveness or pressure, among other reasons, competitive sports have a troublesome reputation. However, this should not be a reason why children are prevented