Introduction

Most parents want their kids to shine in sports and recreational events. However, depending upon their interest and the resources available, the majority can only opt for the easily accessible community sports. Others who are partially aware, push their kids to participate in inter school or inter club level competitions. However, only a few of the determined parents allocate a substantial portion of their time and finances to channelize their kids towards something that is substantial. While doing this, a parent takes the role of a manager, a psychologist and more of a willing partner. I believe that I fall in the last category.

Steps and Process

Choosing the right sport: After my last four years in cycling I have a good understanding about the all of the aspects involved when one chooses cycling as a sport. Although the equipment (in this case a cycle) is a major investment, one needs to make provision for requirements such as the right gear, training requirements etc. My daughter, Kaveri had seen me cycling for a considerable period and when I broached the topic of her taking up the same sport, she surprisingly declined the offer. She was instead more inclined towards running and this, in a way relieved me since I have always thought that long-distance cycling is not a very ‘safe’ sport for young girls in India. However, knowing the benefits, I eventually convinced her to take up an additional sport along with running and that was swimming. I had learnt swimming at 39 and I wanted her to do it at a much younger age.

When it comes to your child’s sports, starting early is very important.

Logistics and daily training: Many training programs for adults have 4-5 days of intense workouts with 1-2 days of rest; same is true with kids training. Similar to other kids of their age, my daughters were naturally inclined towards becoming couch potatoes. The first challenge for the parent is to divert kids from these things that do not add much value to them. At the same time, any parent wouldn’t want their kids to not enjoy the simple pleasures of growing up, but then there has to be a subtle balance in what they want to do and what they should do. After a tired child returns back from school, a parent’s primary objective should be to get the child ready for some focused sporting activity. Initially, it takes some efforts from the parents to do so, but later the child looks forward for the sport. At the same time, it is also important to feed them with nutritious food which doesn’t make them feel sluggish. In our case, after returning from school, my daughters have willingly traveled with me from Whitefield to far of locations such as Kantheerva stadium or other Swimming pools on weekdays. Anyone from Bangalore who knows about the pathetic traffic situation in Bangalore would certainly appreciate this. From my experience, I also feel that being an upcoming area, the sport facilities in Whitefield are still emerging and still not up to my expectations. Moreover, some of the best sport coaches are still located only in Bangalore city and I also convinced these coaches to come to Whitefield. Here it is important for a parent to understand that if you are serious about your child, it takes some extra efforts from your side to make things happen. Minor aspects such as Bangalore traffic, bad roads, and untimely rains should simply be ignored for the child’s benefit. Even when the parent is absent, it is necessary to ensure that the training sessions are not affected.

Vitamin M: Considering the immense advantages such as good health throughout life, higher immunity levels, increased attention span and focus etc., it is important for parents to make determined investments into the child sporting activities. It is most appropriate if the child begins with 2 or even 3 sports choices which may ultimately narrow down to 1 or 2 as per the child’s natural prowess and inclination. Sporting gear /equipment, special nutrition is also a bit expensive but then the ‘investment’ is necessary for the child’s healthy future. In addition, some significant monetary allocation also has to be made for hiring good coaches who have some prior experience in training kids. The expenses for the coach can be shared by bringing together like-minded parents who wish to train their kids. Checking for the coaches credentials is a must. With two daughters, our monthly expenses for their sporting activities are nothing less than 10K.

Challenges:

These are many, you name it and you have it. Getting correct club affiliations, keeping communication with coaches who see your kids as their trophies. All the circulars on these meets come to specific clubs and timely access to this information is very important.

Few other aspects that I never wanted to mention are corrupt officials, making you to go to some government hospital and advice some medical or age certificate when it is not required. Kids specific challenges are, keeping them motivated for every session, making them eat correct, managing school exams and convincing school authorities to support and cooperate. You need to weave your calendar and training around all this maintaining all the possible positivity.

I have seen myself saying to few of my friends, “No, I do not like to go to restaurants for hangout but call me for run session and I precisely know the reason behind me saying this”

Events , rewards and defeats

Today, after 2 years of effort, Kaveri has participated in few state level Swim and Run events. I see her winning comfortably in local decathlon runs and she is a natural runner than a natural swimmer. She has been identified as a potential candidate for long distance runs, aquathlons and long distance swims. Yesterday in one state meet she clocked 14:16 mins for 3km run making us proud. Kasturi on the other hand is a gifted sprinter and has lot of potential for short events as she is just 8 yrs old and was exposed to one state meet were her timing is in top 10 in 80 odd kids of U10.

Missing podiums and important events, feeling pressurized, feeling like taking a break from training is a part of this journey. Honestly, I feel to keep trying at whatever level we can is important, these experiences and hours of hard work will help them in future life in many aspects where they need to handle pressure and required to be physically and mentally strong.