Your Child Athlete's Attire

Spring is here, and your child athlete is playing on a new soccer, lacrosse, hockey, or baseball team. Do they need the optional team shorts or sweatsuit? Do they need a matching bag or new equipment? Where do you draw the line?

Many of us ask ourselves these questions in the beginning of a new sports season. The good news is that most of our children are in the same position. At the beginning of a season, many child athletes are starting out on newly formed athletic teams. Even if a team isn't new, there are always some changes to the roster when a new season begins.

Although it can get costly, we have occasionally bought our children the little extras that come with being part of a team. No, they don't need another t-shirt, but a team t-shirt can make your child proud. It's good to give our children that feeling of importance, but remember that you need to buy every item available.

We have interviewed many high-level athletes, and the bottom line for many of them is team work and learning to be part of a team. Team work is on the field, but should transfer over to off the field. If the team wears matching blue socks or carries purple bags, then go ahead, and teach your child that it's fun to join in.