I'm so sad about kid's sport

[jeramiahbonbon]

I know I'm really lucky that my DCs aren't in their GCSE year, or have SEND so have a real battle to get back to school. But this is making me really sad. Apologies at the start for being a bit self indulgent.

My DCs are 8 and 10. They are both really sporty. In normal times they'll do some kind of sport everyday, either with school, or for a club. They're good, too.

My older DS can struggle with school. He's doing ok, and doesn't have a specific SEND, but he has his challenges and his self esteem can suffer at times. But, he's the one that everyone wants on their team, who gets picked for the school team in whatever competition they've got lined up. It's where he really shines.

For my younger one sport really helps him with discipline and focus, and with friendships.

None of their outside sports clubs have resumed training as yet as its logistically really tricky. I'm desperate for them to get back to school in September so they can get their routine back and see their friends. But I can't see how sport / PE will fit into the (hopefully temporary) "new normal". I don't imagine the inter-school / county tournaments going ahead for a long time. And it's hard to see when grassroots football teams, basketball teams and cricket teams can start playing actual games again.

It feels like a "huge" part of what my DCs life purposeful has been taken away. I know they'll be fine and I know it will get back to normal eventually. But bloody hell i'm sad about this right now, especially for my lovely older boy

I know what you mean. My older 2 girls do gymnastics- twice a week usually. They were getting really good, flexible etc!! But we shall just have to start again when clubs begin!

That's so hard. None of mine are into sport, but I'm a teacher, and I know how important it is to many children. Mine really miss their drama groups, and opportunities to perform on stage. It feels like that'll be a while too. ☹️

I know, you could replace "sport" with lots of other activities too, can't you?

I know getting back to school and back on track with maths and English etc is really important. But many kids thrive and shine outside of the academic environment and get through academics because their hobbies help them build their self-esteem, resilience etc.

My dc is really into martial arts, and the classes has been cancelled. Though he has been doing some exercise to keep the muscle, following programme on you tube. Maybe you can do that too?

My dd is a competitive gymnast. Her team have all been set back so much. Normally they train several time’s a week.
For girls on the elite pathways who train everyday they may never get it back.

Totally understand.

My ds is actually GCSE year, disabled with send and a swimmer who trained 6 times a week.

I feel so sad for him he's been left with nothing for 3 months and no idea when he'll be able to access education or sport again in the future.

I understand too my youngest competes, by the time she's at her peak again she will be 16 and in the adult categories

Oz and NZ will be winning at all Olympics etc.
It is sad. Both my dc learnt to swim.
Maybe places could set up to do a whole class of kids

My DS20 coaches trampolining and it is the one thing he is desperately missing. Hopefully it won't be too long before they can resume.

I know how you feel op my DS is an only child and loved to do drama/football/swimming etc we were out most nights and all weekend at his activities. Now it's a struggle to even get him out for a walk, he's lost all motivation and it's so sad he needs to interact with other children and get back to his routine.

Yes it's the sports part of life which is causing the most upset in this house, between my 2 boys they play cricket, football, hockey and swim for various local and regional teams. They tell me they dont know who they are anymore because they cant play sports. 2 out of the 4 are back training but it is very different to normal training and in a way I think that is making it worse as they are back in their 'home's with their sports family but cant go near them

I totally understand. It's heartbreaking. My girls are all ballet dancers

I understand what you mean. My son is only 6 but is a keen swimmer and is missing that.

He also does football one night a week usually which he really enjoys and helps him mix with other kids.

Beavers too

I'm hoping they can restart in September.

You have my sympathies op.
Our DS was an avid climber. He needed it for his emotional and physical release. He's really struggled without it. The parkrun was also a great way to get a positive start to the weekend and socialise. He's been reduced to watching You Tube and kicking a ball about on his own on a field for 13 weeks 😠

So sad to hear that all your sporty children are struggling.
Mine are all University age but I have heard about online private coaching football sessions from a friend who has football mad 10 year old twins.
Unfortunately, it costs money but has helped them enormously.

For the gymnasts and ballet dancers, could they get into yoga?
Brilliant for flexibility, breathing techniques, core strength and perhaps most importantly it has such positive mental health benefits.

While I’ve been typing this my 19 year old has kicked a rugby ball, hitting the kitchen window so you all have my sympathies.

Same here. It is just awful for the children. DD does ballet via zoom which has worked well but my other DCs do rugby and swimming which doesn’t work via zoom at all for obvious reasons. They are understimulated and sad to be missing out on their favourite activities. Bike rides and running in the park doesn’t really compensate.

What about trying skateboarding. Outdoor skateparks are open.

My son is the same. A competitive swimmer who trains several times a week and is now doing very little. His coach sends him exercises to do but he has no motivation. He was very muscular and now, with lack of training and eating much more, is developing a wee pit belly, but aren’t we all! I’m praying swimming can restart soon.

Gym and tramp and climbing here too :(

We've all eaten too much amd she hasnt been keen to do conditioning so Im worried she's going backwards while those super fit families will have improved.

Yes I know what you mean. Here DC do swimming, rugby and climbing. They really miss it ☹️

My primary school dc have been back a few weeks and have done pe (with adapted game rules). They've really enjoyed it. One of my dc lives for sport and thought it would be horrible but has since said it isn't. He said he's missing inter school competitions but to have pe lessons is great. The last week of term has been allocated as sports day week and they will be doing lots of sports all week.
Our secondary school have said this week that pe will go ahead in September as each year group is a bubble they'll be allocated a day and all dc will be able to take part then everything will be cleaned for the next day and different year group. They've also said if government guidelines allow they will put on after school sports clubs on the same day as pe.
It's not ideal but the school have reiterated how important exercise is for well-being and therefore prioritising it as much as other subjects.

My DD(6) doesn't do a sport yet but she just became an official Rainbow before lockdown and she was enjoying it so much. She's a shy little thing and it was great to see her skipping off into the hall to play with her new friends. I'm really hoping they'll start it up again eventually but she'll be ready for Brownies next year and miss out on all of the Rainbows stuff. (I skipped Rainbows and went straight to Brownies and always felt like I'd missed out!)

My SN foster son who is 13 is sports mad. He swims for Town so trains three times a week. He does karate once a week. He runs around lake which is 2 miles 4 times each week and before lockdown he was doing cricket nets trading for 8 hours a week including 2 hours a week in adult nets. He is at county standard and has worked so hard over winter nets. He was going to break into adult team this summer. Last year when he was 12 he was captain of Under 13 team, played in under 15 team and took a lot of wickets. He is a leg spinner and over winter learned to bowl a Googlie. I am do disappointed for him not to be able to play summer matches. He also likes playing tennis and golf and trampolines too. I know just how you feel op. Sport is something he excels at. No Sports Day to win running races this year either. Despite the disappointment he has worked really hard on school work. I am do proud of him.