Even the best young athletes should take the time to read.
I know that as parents, we are only in so much control over who our children eventually become. We would like to think we have complete control, but the truth is that no matter what you do, your child’s inherent personality and traits will eventually come out, and eclipse whatever ‘perfect child’ version of them you have tried to create.
It has always been my philosophy to let my kids be who they are individually, but to find ways to support them as they are, catering their interests into wider, more well-rounded hobbies. For instance, I am a huge proponent of child athletes, since I believe that playing sports teaches you a myriad of important life lessons. That being said, a career in professional sports just isn’t likely or possible for every child athlete, especially since one injury can mean the end of a career. A professional sports career should not be the main goal of enrolling your child in sports. Giving your child an outlet to expend energy, a great hobby, some important life lessons, and the tools they need for proper socialization are much healthier goals. That being said, it is also important for all kids to read.
READ MORE: Five Signs Your Child Should Quit a Sport
So, my sneaky mom trick is to find books for each of my children that cater to their own specific interests. Admittedly, this is the hardest to do with young athletes, since sports are a very active hobby, but with a little research you can find books that work for almost every child, no matter how non-traditional their hobbies may be. These five books, available at Barnes and Noble are great suggestions, if you are concerned that your child athlete is a little focused on the physicality of sports, and lacking in the reading and comprehension department.
Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars, by Gregory Zuckerman, Elijah Zuckerman, and Gabriel Zuckerman
A book that focuses on the personal challenges of professional athletes, such as Tim Howard’s battle with Tourette Syndrome, and Stephen Curry’s rise to success despite the obstacles.
Weird but True Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics, by National Geographic Kids
A book of 300 sports facts, including obscure, weird stories that will give your kids plenty to talk about both on and off the field.
Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends, by David Stabler and Doogie Horner
A collection of childhood stories from some of the world’s most famous athletes, that can give your child something to relate to.
Sports Illustrated Kids Slam Dunk!: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Basketball, by The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
This book is basically everything a young basketball fan could want, from trivia, to leagues and players. It is written in list format to make it easy to digest and includes full color (basketball-related) photos from Sports Illustrated.
My First Book of Baseball: A Rookie Book, by The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
If you have a young baseball fan in your life, this book will explain everything about the sport, which is a perfect gift to give a child before they start to play the game.
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