Kids love to play. Organized sports leagues offer an opportunity to harness that love of play and the unbridled energy of youth in a positive manner. But not all sports leagues are created equally.

Turning your child over to a stranger’s care for a a few hours each week can be a frightening proposition. Sure, all leagues do background checks to screen out the serious risks, but what do you really know about the coaches and assistants on the team? A background check won’t help you rout out the screamers, the overly-competitive, or the just-plain-jerks….

It is natural for parents to want their children to excel, to be the best, to be above other children in almost everything, to grow up into exemplary citizens who achieve so much in life. That’s an open secret that most of us have in our hearts, which is why we do everything to build our children into the super kids that we want them to be. But how do we exactly go about raising super kids? Each of us has a unique formula, but most fall into a common pattern. I see parents who buy musical instruments for their…

Summer vacation either has arrived or is right around the corner.  While it is important that children get some sort of exercise daily, it also is important to take precautions when the temperatures are hot.  I was able to speak with Diane King, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and Certified Athletic Trainer, from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine.

When dealing with summer heat and exercise, it is very important to make sure your child is hydrated.  According to Ms. King, “An important thing to remember is that thirst is not a good indicator of when to drink.  By the…

I come to you with only Karate, my empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons: Karate, my empty hands.  These words are the basis of American Kenpo, a martial art I feel is very good for kids to study.

Most importantly, Kenpo teaches you self defense.  This helps your kids in the case of a crime, if they are bullied, and many more incidents.  The need for an effective method for your kids to…

One of the many challenges that parents face is the decision to enroll their child in a sports program for the first time. When to enroll, where to enroll, and in what sport? All three questions can be tricky, and all three will have a significant impact on your child’s development.

The when is partially dictated by the league. Many sports are open to 4 year olds. But is your four year old ready? In my experience as a coach and a father, I’ve found five to be more appropriate for most children. At five…