what do u do when 4 year old doesn't behave during sports practice?

dpdw

We have DS (turned 4 in Feb) in a "baseball" clinic. It's not very structured, mostly just semi-organized play time for 8 four-year-olds. Nonetheless the boys are supposed to follow the instructions of their coach. At what point do you get involved if your kid isn't paying attention to the coach? I'm second guessing my putting DS in a "timeout" right in the middle of practice last week when he had turned into a complete wildman.

oparcm

My 4 y.o. dd has been doing gymnastics since she was one.  The instructors ask you not to intervene during class.  DD listens pretty well but there are days where she is not paying attention and that worries me because she's on the balance beam or bars.  I don't want her to get hurt.  So after class, I usually speak with her about that because I think she needs to listen to the rules for safety.  DD had a girl in the class push her while doing a tumble two weeks ago.  I told her to tell the teacher about it because this girl could really hurt dd.  So, I think that 4 is young but I might discuss it with him after the game.

karatechrissy

most sports coaches/instructors would prefer you to not intervene during class/practice. Usually they will take care of the problem, if they see one. Parents tend to get a little more worked up over how their child is acting than they should be. If there is a problem, your instructor/coach should be taking care of it. If your play time is more of a 'free play' rather than a structured environment and that's what you are looking for, I would consider putting DS in karate or something else. Karate at that age isn't teachign them to be the next Jet Lee, they focus more on discipline and focus and paying attention listening skills. Just a thought.

Zenya

I'd be second guessing that, too (not to say that I wouldn't have done the same thing, though!).  He's FOUR.  To me time out is not right for 2 reasons.  1 - he's 4 in an exciting environment.  2 - he's just at the point where I feel v. conscious of embarrassing him in public.  I try to keep all that v. private.  My son will be 4 in June.