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Future Olympian

From Manish in Philadelphia, PA:

I have a son. Very soon he will be 2 years old. However, I don't want to force him playing any particular game, my dream resides in making him sportsperson and represent his country in the Olympics. He also is a great enthusiast and a curious kid. He has strong arms at this age.

But to realize my dream, I think I need to start his physical fitness training now. Also I want to involve him in some sort of games at this age, so that he could pick up quick.

I am really not sure, what should I look for? Could you help me - where do I go and what should I look for?

Answer: Your son is very young, far too young for you to be overly concerned about starting his physical fitness training.

Another word of caution. You say that you don't want to force him to play any particular sport but then you say that your dream is to have him represent his country in the Olympic Games. If it is your dream but not his dream, you are both probably heading for difficult and troublesome times as he gets older.

My advice is to expose him (don't push or pressure him) to a variety of games when he is young (starting now). Games that involve hand/eye coordination, foot/eye coordination. Play catch with him with all shapes and sizes of balls. Have him kick soccer balls and footballs. Have him swing plastic bats/racquets/clubs at plastic whiffle balls. When he is ready, take him skating or skiing. Have him shoot mini-basketballs at mini-baskets.

These games should be fun for him. He will show you the things he enjoys most by his enthusiasm and delight. Gradually expand those games into learning situations to improve his technique, but be careful not to take the fun out of the play. Avoid frustrating situations, i.e. situations that may require far more skill than his current level. Remember that his attention span is not very long, so understand when he gives up or moves to a new activity quickly.

Don't get too hung up on making him into a superstar so early. He may or may not fulfill your dream. Instead focus on making sure he enjoys his youth, his development and his play time. If it is to be, his development into a skilled athlete will occur naturally, not because you forced it. In any case, you should be there to help, support and love him whatever his athletic abilities may be.