Should I allow my 5-year-old to quit t-ball?

Question

He does not have a real interest. He plays in the dirt at the game, and it is very difficult to get him to cooperate during practices.

Answer 1

Yes, if you force him to do it he'll only end up resenting both you and the game, and he'll lose interest in trying things in the future. Enjoyment is important! Find something he DOES enjoy as an alternative!

Answer 2

Wow.  Your T-ball must have started early.  We just signed up today.  Look, he's only five years old.  If he is not interested; he's not interested.  Let him quit.  Wait until he shows an interest in it.

Answer 3

My son played T-ball when he was 5 and when the season started he wasn't really into it and was the kid spinning circles in the outfield and doing his own thing, but by the time the season was over he started getting better and learning how to play and was more into the game and much better at teamwork, he was so excited when he got his t-ball trophy at the end of the year and can't wait to start this season. I'm glad he stayed in and I didn't just quit in the beginning when it was tough. In the end it was worth it. I would keep him in if I were you.

Answer 4

I let my son quit when he was 5. Not all kids are athletes. Our jobs as parents are to give our children opportunities. They are not going to take to every one. That is part of the process. Go on to the next activity. He will be a much happier, mentally healthy kid in the long run. Good luck.

Answer 5

Yes... if he doesn't want to play, don't force it.  Find something that interests him.

Answer 6

Totally, just because he's five doesnt mean he isn't bored, or for that matter just hates the game. Obesity is a real issue right now so while it is beneficial for children to play a sport it should be based on what he likes to do. Talk to him and see if there isnt anything he would be better suited too or more interested in. Failing that maybe he would just prefer to go for a bike ride instead or some other activity which although isnt a sport with a team it is exercise which is the most important thing. At the end of the day he'll like you a lot more if your not forcing him into doing anything he's not happy with or just not that into to.

Answer 7

my cousin did the same thing. we put him in karate and he LOVES it try other sports see if he likes those.

Answer 8

If he doesn't have an interest than I don't see why you would make him play. But he might have some disiplaine problems. Try enrolling him in some other things he seems to have an interest in. Hope this helps

Answer 9

I would have him finish the season, then not do it next year. Allowing kids to quit after comiting to a team sport does not teach them to follow through. I know he is only 5, but whats the excuse going to be when he is 10-15, or older.

When my daughter signed up for something, I did make her finish, but never made her do it again in the future. She did try several different things, but she did find what she loves and is passionate about and has stuck with it for about 6 years now.



Just try to explain to him very simply, that he is part of a team, that means they all work together until the season is over.

Answer 10

if he doesn't want and isn't having fun...let him quit

Answer 11

My parents tried about 20 sports and activities with me when I was young before I found my true calling at age 8; boxing, which to this day I love with a passion. You should bring him to a sports Phsycologist and they will point you in the right direction. In Austrailia kids are actually put doing activities that these phsycologists think they would be good at and that their bodies would suit as young as 4-5. ie: stocky: rugby, tall with big hands and feet:swimming etc.

Answer 12

I allowed my son to quit, but explained that if he did, since mommy had to pay top money for him to play ($35 dollars and the cost of glove, pants, bat, and ball) he wouldn't get to play next year and so that's what he chose.  He regretted it next year too and has learned a good lesson.  Good luck!

Answer 13

Its not for him, let him quit

Answer 14

as long as he does SOMETHING.  just quitting so he can go home and watch television is not acceptable.

Answer 15

Quitters never win, and winners never quit.

Answer 16

If he doesn't want to play the game,don't make him.

He may or may not change his mind later.

Answer 17

It seems like he does not want to play. Before you let him quit I would sit down and talk to him and see if he really wants to play or what is going on.

Answer 18

T-ball is mostly about having fun, so if he doesnt have any interest, of doesnt have any fun, you sould let him quit

Answer 19

Yes

Answer 20

At age five it's perfectly acceptable to be trying out a variety of activities.  He tried t-ball, and it's not for him.  He'll find something he really takes to eventually.  

If you're going to be out a bunch of money, you could make him finish out the season - but consider it a lesson not to sign him up for something costly until you know his heart is in it.

Answer 21

if he isnt having fun then yeah... buy him a sand box instead and let him play in the dirt at home.. its cheaper =)

find him something he wants to play and isnt being forced to do,

Answer 22

If your child shows no interest in it then yes, you should allow him to quit.

Forcing him to keep doing it will only make him resent you later on.

Try helping him find another activity he enjoys to do.

Soccer, boyscouts, etc.

Also try talking to him, and maybe keeping him in for a little while longer to see if it catches his interest may work. But if he continues to not have an interest don't force him to keep doing it.

The coach of the team can always find another child to fill his spot.

Answer 23

why is in t-ball to begin with if he's not interested? i wouldnt mention quitting unless he brings it up.

Answer 24

you ave two options . let him quit and potentially find other ways of cooperating and working and force him to stay in and allow him to adjust and learn in a more friendly environment but risk losing their trust and reliability. i suggest keeping him in but giving him an option if he cooperates to quit later if he wants to.

Answer 25

Yes, you should "allow your 5-year old to quit t-ball" if he wants to.

Give him whatever he wants, unless it would be detrimental to your family.

Giving away too much money, than you can afford, is spoiling and stupid. If you don't have the money, don't flaunt it.

Be on the search for what your son is interested in, and let him shine in it.

Answer 26

yes! let him quit. instead of pushing him into doing something he doesn't like, have him try basketball instead. if he doesn't like that, karate, if he doesn't like that, swimming, etc. you get the idea? help him find something HE enjoys.

Answer 27

If he doesn't want to do it, don't make him. Simple

Answer 28

ask him. if he wants to then let him quit.

Answer 29

If it was my idea to sign my kids up for something, I would let them quit after a few honest tries if they didn't like it.  If it was their idea, I would have them finish out the season and then choose something else unless there was a really strong reason for quitting (bullying, class was developmentally inappropriate, injury, etc.).

Answer 30

No, Make him finish out the season. If you let him quit now he'll prob think its okay to quit things forever. Make him finish out the season he may start to really like it. When i was younger i hated softball but my parents made me finish my season and i ended up loving it. He is only 5 so just give it some time and at the games i bet he's not the only one playing in  the dirt. Good Luck!

Answer 31

If you want him to play then practice at home with him and make it fun. Dont pressure him or else he will definetly quit. If he wants to quit let him.