#510 let's play

I was in Chicagoland over the weekend and was astonished to see a sign along the side of the road advertising soccer classes -- for kids 18 months to 5 years old!  We had hardly gone a mile when we saw another sign for a soccer league -- for 3-6 year olds!  I guess after two years of practice, the toddlers need a league of their own!?

Two thoughts came to mind upon seeing these signs:
1.  Soccer continues to grow in popularity in the States.  If there is enough interest for classes and leagues at this age, the sport will be firmly ingrained in the psyche of everyone by the time the kids are of independent fan age.  Before too long, the World Cup may cause a frenzy in the United States.

2.  Regardless of the sport, I believe this is way too young to have actual classes and leagues.  Kids are becoming so dependent on structure -- and other people creating their fun activities -- that they are missing out on the development of an important aspect of independence.  In college, we hear students lament the lack of "things to do", meaning the things someone else planned and hand held the students to take them there.  Let the kids learn how to create their own fun -- at least until they are the ripe old age of 7 or so!!

Think about those signs and what lessons they hold for you.  Is there an emerging trend that you can see and capitalize on in your organization?  Is there a way for you to encourage kids to enjoy the unstructured time that should accompany childhood?  What can you do to create a structure-free zone for your employees so they can model it for their children?  

Adding stress, competition and organized play for tots will have implications down the road.  Do what you can now to let kids be kids, not little adults.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com