What sport would you have your daughter do if she was equally good at all she tried?

[TheGirlCanSkate]

Let's say no matter what she tried, she was in the top 10-15% of whatever sport she did. What would you encourage?

[aliceanne]

I would pick a sport that my child would not have to leave home or drop out of school to participate in. In my area that would be possible with skating. I don't know enough about other sports to know if elite level coaching is available. I think a child's first priority should be to graduate from high school. I wouldn't want my child training full-time before then. I think it is too much pressure and children's bodies go through so many changes you don't know whether they will have the physical capability to succeed at the top level until they are about 18 anyway. Plus they are not mature enough to deal with coaches and trainers who might pressure them do unhealthy or unethical things to achieve quick results.

[Angelskates]

Let's say no matter what she tried, she was in the top 10-15% of whatever sport she did. What would you encourage?

I think I'd tell her to choose one and then encourage that one. But it would depend on cost (both time and money).

[danceronice]

Well, if I had absolutely unlimited gobs of money, probably point her to show-jumping (meaning hunters and the Big Eq, the winter circuit in Florida/SC, working student for a BNT). I would PREFER skating or ballroom but the potential to remain competitive and get a job in it is stronger with horses. (You can be an Olympian in your forties/fifties there.) I don't really care about pulling them out of school (I don't feel I'd have missed anything vital not having to go.) But I'd want it to be something where they aren't done by 30. (Riding, you do NEED a junior rep, but unless you're a total phenom like Reed Kessler and ALSO luck into the right horse in the right year, you're not going to the WEG or Olys as a teen.)

[Kasey]

Preferably whatever she likes the best. If she doesn't care, then I would encourage golf, tennis, or something similar that has longevity as well as earning potential to it.

[Twilight1]

Whatever she likes best and what we could afford. With the focus always on finishing high school.

[mkats]

Preferably whatever she likes the best.

This - also assuming that I have unlimited gobs of money.

Not that I plan on having kids anytime soon, but my biggest goal is to let them develop their own interests rather than making those decisions for them and forcing them into something they don't care for.

[genegri]

A team sport.

I have read somewhere kids, especially girls, who have played in team sports involve physical contacts are less likely to stay in physically abusive relationships. I can't seem to find that study on line right now. But if that is true, it is reason enough for me.

[Twilight1]

I would think that just simply playing on a team sport would increase a girl's self esteem and thus she wouldn't put up with a partner's crap. I would be interested in seeing that study if you are able to find it.

[Vash01]

I would let her make that decision. If she cannot make it, I would just give her enough time to figure out what she loves the most.

[Rob]

Whatever she likes best, but if she likes them all the same, then golf. Fewer serious injuries and more longevity. Plus, if you don't make it professionally, you can play with friends and family, and it is a great skill to have for business development. If not that, then basketball (if she was tall) or soccer because it would be great to play in college and great for fitness.

[rjblue]

Curling

1- No cheating, no ref's, manners and honesty an essential part of the game
2- It's a sport you can do your whole life, either competitively or socially
3- It's not expensive at rec levels, and at competitive levels it's easy to get sponsors and you win money.
4- All the kids play the whole game
5- Parents sit in a warm chair, with coffee or beer in hand
6- It's actually really exciting, edge of your chair, to watch intently

I've had a competitive figure skater, and a competitive curler, and my son plays soccer, basketball and badminton

eta- another plus- unless you are the skip- it's very good exercise, with a low injury rate

[whp]

Something that can be played as an adult, is athletic, and team-oriented. And not too $$. I'd probably go for something ubiquitous like soccer or basketball. Though, if she really is that talented, it could be hard to find an adult rec league that's a good fit. In that case, something more individual might be in order...maybe cross-country/track?

[Aceon6]

I'd have her pick one team sport and one individual sport. The team one would be the sport where she had the most friends and the most fun. The individual sport would be the one she enjoyed practicing the most.

[manhn]

Well, if she equally sucked at everything, probably something like zumba so she doesn't hurt herself.

[Artemis@BC]

Whatever she likes best, but if she likes them all the same, then golf.

I thought the question was about sports.

[VIETgrlTerifa]

I would say figure skating with a preference in ice dancing but I'm afraid I'd be a serious stage parent.

[PRlady]

I would say figure skating with a preference in ice dancing but I'm afraid I'd be a serious stage parent.

Me too. I've never had to consider this question since I passed my athletic ability (nil) to my daughter. But I'd pick something with three criteria:

1. Doesn't ever get in the way of school, which comes first.
2. Respects the child's own preferences for individualism vs team. I think once that's in place, there's a lot of possibilities, but putting a loner into soccer or a sociable child into single-scull would seem to be a shame.
3. For a girl, have absolutely no trace of lookism. Meaning not necessarily that there is no ideal body type, most sports have one, but that success does not depend on physical beauty, makeup, hair or packaging. Meaning that skating and gymnastics are out, I love watching them but when I see bunches of 10-year-olds at Liberty in perfect makeup, I shudder.

[AxelAnnie]

Well, if I had absolutely unlimited gobs of money, probably point her to show-jumping (meaning hunters and the Big Eq, the winter circuit in Florida/SC, working student for a BNT). I would PREFER skating or ballroom but the potential to remain competitive and get a job in it is stronger with horses. (You can be an Olympian in your forties/fifties there.) I don't really care about pulling them out of school (I don't feel I'd have missed anything vital not having to go.) But I'd want it to be something where they aren't done by 30. (Riding, you do NEED a junior rep, but unless you're a total phenom like Reed Kessler and ALSO luck into the right horse in the right year, you're not going to the WEG or Olys as a teen.)

Ditto!!!

And so many gobs of money. Riding is much like skating (being a judged sport) - and is the only sport that requires two living souls, (one of whom can't speak) who at any given moment could be having an off day....making it more complex. Oh - and those horses are life long friends. I would choose (and did) horses any day. Both my kids rode, and some at my barn rode at the levels you are speaking of. Such fun!

[AxelAnnie]

Oh - so not necessarily. Those other team players can be pretty snarky!