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Specializing in Hockey is No Guarantee of Success

Don’t allow your child to specialize in hockey too soon. Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. says his dad insisted that Cal and his brother, also a former major leaguer, play more sports than just baseball as kids. And that was even though Cal Ripken Sr. was a lifelong professional baseball man.

Kids who participate in a variety of sports get more enrichment than those who specialize early on. Different sports also develop different mental and physical skills, resulting in lower burnout rates and fewer repetitive-stress injuries. These are no small things.

Playing under different coaches will also introduce your child to a variety of personality types and performance strategies. Encourage your child to become a total athlete, and he or she will shine in the sport they ultimately choose.

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Written by Shelly · Filed Under Parenting 
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