Would you test your child's "sports gene"?
"When Donna Campiglia learned recently that a genetic test might be able to determine which sports suit the talents of her 2½-year-old son, Noah, she instantly said, Where can I get it and how much does it cost?"
That's the opening line from an article published on the front page of last Sunday's New York Times. The article describes a newly available test, which can analyze a child's saliva and determine whether he is more likely to excel at sports requiring endurance (think marathon running), speed and power (like basketball), or a combination of the two.
Skeptical? Many scientists are, especially at the thought of such a test being given to preschoolers. It's one thing to test an Olympian's genes to help craft a superior workout. It's quite another to steer a child barely out of diapers toward (or away from) a particular sport based on a test of a single gene. As it is, some experts and parents are already concerned about kids specializing in a sport too early, since it can lead to injury or burnout.
What do you think?
Photo courtesy Catherine Holecko
Comments
Ugh. I long for the days when we could just let kids be kids and let them figure out on their own what they like and enjoy. I’m thrilled with lots of the things that science and technology has brought us, but this is not one of them!
It is a mistake for a parent to think that genetic potential is all that matters. I think that a child who enjoys a sport is more likely to excel in it. Perhaps a child will enjoy it more if he or she is good at it – but maybe that child likes to be challenged and would like the sport they don’t have the “aptitude” for. Genetics don’t define us entirely!
I agree with “letting kids be kids.” In school, I wasn’t very good at any sport, but I played them because I enjoyed them, got exercise, and got to be with my friends. Kids are already not getting enough outdoor time and exercise these days. Let’s spend the energy instead encouraging them to get out, play in their neighborhood or at school and learn how to be healthy.
This is pure silliness. People put too much pressure on their kids throughout childhood to be good in athletics for the miniscule hope of earning athletic glory. What is wrong with letting kids have fun, especially young kids, and see what might develop?
I love sports, played sports and have spent much of my adult life and career around competitive sports. I have seen enough crazy parents to know I am not putting those kinds of pressures on my children.
My 3-year-old son has yet to show any real interest in sports and I could care less. It’s not going to stop my enjoyment of the games and I want him to do what he wants. If some day that involves athletics, great, if not, oh well. Don’t need a test to figure that out.
I look to sports (and any activity) as away for my child to make friends, blow off steam, and learn a few skills while having fun. I don’t think any genetic testing is necessary for that.
I was so happy to see most of the votes for NO. Kids should be allowed to play in whatever way comes naturally to them. I cringe when I see and hear parents forcing children to play certain sports.
Here here for letting kids be kids. Also, genes only take you so far-so much of athletic ability is in the mind, discipline and determination. I remember reading an interview with a famous coach (forget which one) who said that the hardest players to work with are the high school and college ‘naturals’ those with the most talent because they have been spoiled into thinking they don’t have to work as hard. And, by the way, Michael Jordan was cut from his JV basketball team. Genes aren’t everything, only part of the picture. And I feel that if a child is tested and doesn’t have ‘good genes’ then parents might dissuade him or her from sports and that is ridiculous.
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