Sports - Sacramento,CA

I would imagine that this is a case of get while the gettin's good in terms of field time and daylight hours. Once school and fall sports are in full swing they probably won't have as many opportunities to practice. I would think that 2-3 practices plus 1-2 games a week is reasonable at this age. I know that for my oldest, the baseline expectation in terms of practices for hockey for any age past 8 has been 2 team practices plus 1 skills session a week plus games, but in the beginning of the season before the high school season starts and the school take all the ice time, they'll get as much ice time in as they can and sometimes that means skating 6 days a week.

Funny you should ask because I just got my son's schedule which is every friday and saturday through August!! Um, I don't think so. My husband and I are exactly like you in that sports should be fun and that the parents are who make it NOT fun for the kids. Unfortunately it has been my experience that most dads in sports do not share this opinion. They are most definitely either reliving their glory days or making up for some not-so-glory days. So taking up a whole weekend for practice is fine for them because hey-whats as important as sports?? nothing. and certainly not family time. Sorry but I do not agree so if there is something that my family wants to do in one of the last weekends in summer my son will just have to miss practice.

One or two, depending on the age. Definitely not more than two practices a week.

I think if he is really interested then a couple of hours per week would be the minimum I would want to do.

When I played softball all through Jr. High and High School we had practices a couple of times per week and it took us a couple of hours to get through everyone batting. We had the best team though. When we went to Falls Creek we never lost a game.

I played some in college too until I hurt my knees. Then it was over for me. I can't run anymore at all.

In high school I always ran about 5 miles per night. Then as I got older and had my daughter I still ran but not as much. Then when I got hurt it was walking.

So if he really likes it and wants to go I'd let him go every night if he wanted to. If he did want to do something else I'd let him balance it out to where he was still enjoying both activities.

I have three kids who have all done sports, some more competitive than others, and we have always known exactly what we were getting into when we signed up.
Isn't there a set, regular schedule of practices? Wasn't this made available to you (and your son) when you started the season?
I think what's "reasonable" is what your kid wants to put into it. If he's not into it then what's the point?

... I know a Dad, who's son plays baseball, and if I recall correctly, he said the team practices everyday. This is a 9 year old boy.
Its a team, not school affiliated, and they compete as well. It is not seasonal, but they have breaks in between but is pretty much year round.

But personally, to me, that is TOO much. Plus the kid has daily homework and I hear the Dad, "complaining" that his son goes to bed, too late and is always tired.
I wonder why?

I think your son is just enjoying the "be with Dad" time.
Not the exact "sport" per say.
So he is doing it because it is fun with Dad.
As you said, your son does not LIVE for baseball, otherwise.
Or the boys... may be getting caught up, in the vibes of doing it with the dads.

Being an involved & supportive parent per sports kids play... does not mean the parent has to be IN there all the time, practicing or doing it all the time, with the kid. The kid should also be able, to conduct their own rhythm about it. And be, independent about it.
Not it being, that the parent overtakes... the child's participation in it.
Hope I'm wording this right.
My daughter takes martial arts. SHE loves it. We love that she loves it. But we don't go crazily INTO it with her or constantly practice it with her. We also respect, HER own, approach to it. And when she wants to practice etc. She is able, to modulate her practicing, in conjunction with her other activities and homework etc. She is 9.

Again, I think your son is just enjoying his "dad time" with him. But it is not "baseball" per say, that is the total enticement about it. AND that other kid is doing it with his gung-ho Dad... so then maybe your son feels... to do it too.
Kids, get the keeping up with the Jones' thing, too.
Inadvertently.