It's interesting to see what happens when kids show above average ability in sports. Many parents suddenly start thinking about sports scholarships, private instruction, etc. Some even think about professional careers, which we all know realistically is a level very, very few youth sports athletes will ever reach.

What is it that makes some otherwise good sports parents stop thinking rationally when it comes to their child's ability and future in sports? The challenge for all of us is to keep our kids' best interests in mind at times like these, rather than our own.

I have had a little personal experience with this. Both my son and daughter take gymnastics classes, and the gymnastics center recently told us that our daughter was good enough to move up a level. This would require a three-day-a-week commitment vs. one now, and participating in meets, which she doesn't do know.

I must admit my first thought was that this would be great, if my daughter wanted to do this. It turned out that she didn't. She really likes going once a week, but felt that was enough. It's amazing how often kids know what's best for them. The key is that we listen to them. She's still doing gymnastics once a week and really likes it, which probably wouldn't be the case if we talked her into moving up. She may decide down the road that she'd like to get more serious with gymnastics, but for now she's having fun, getting exercise and enjoying her gymnastics experience, which is just fine with me.