Adam’s journal
It was a long football season for my son, Will. As the quarterback on a fifth-grade team with a leaky offensive line, he spent more than his fair share of time underneath large piles of 10-year-olds.
Given the studies that are emerging about the long-term injuries, particularly to the brain, that football can cause, it would not break my heart if Will decided to hang up his shoulder pads.
He’s shown an interest in running, so following a recent 5-kilometer race that I ran, he and his younger brother — age 8 — ran the 1-mile kids’ “fun run.”
They both enjoyed it so much that they asked me whether they could run a full 5- kilometer race.
I said yes, and a few weeks ago, they both successfully completed the Putnam City Cancer Classic (which, I must note, benefited cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation).
Both Will and Theo were proud of themselves for covering more than three miles. Will ran the whole way, while Theo threw in some walking breaks.
They both seemed to feel great afterward and have repeatedly asked me whether they can run another 5K.
Is it safe to let them follow in my footsteps at this young age?
Dr. Prescott prescribes
Running is a great way for Will and Theo to start down the road to lifetime fitness. Physiologically, there is no reason healthy elementary school children shouldn’t try a 5K. But like every athletic activity for children, it must be done in moderation. Overtraining is one of the most common causes of injury in young athletes. Overuse injuries have seen a surge in recent years, largely attributable to the increased numbers of children who specialize in a single sport at an early age.
It is not uncommon for a preteen to practice and play a single sport many hours each week, year-round. This can cause repetitive microtrauma to particular areas of the body, such as the knees of a soccer player or wrists of a gymnast. Studies have found that such persistent microtrauma leads to overuse injuries such as tendonitis, ligament damage and stress fractures.
Excessive training and competition at an early age can cause psychological stress that leads to anxiety and burnout. So whether it’s running or any sport, be sure your kids are participating because they want to, not because you want them to.
Even when a child experiences success at a sport, it is important to curb the impulse to focus on that activity to the exclusion of others.
A balance of activities — as well as a lack of parental pressure — is the surest path to promoting your children’s physical and psychological health.
[ask-drp]
