No, My Son Doesn’t Play Sports. Really, It’s OK!

When a 13-year-old boy who could change the world has to constantly answer why he isn’t interested in sports, our society must re-think how we treat boys.

Photo courtesy of the author

By Kerry Foreman

A visit to the doctor, orthodontist, school function — or anywhere, really — will alert you to the fact that people don’t know how to talk to your son if he doesn’t play sports.

Our society is programmed in a way that a boy who doesn’t play sports is an anomaly. What can we possibly have to say to a boy if we can’t ask him about football, basketball or soccer?

My son not only doesn’t play sports……he doesn’t watch them either. GASP!! I know, it’s a tragedy, right?

• My son has deep, abiding empathy for others.
• My son is a critical thinker.
• My son is constantly questioning the world.
• My son is not a box checker.
• My son has a thirst for knowledge about space that won’t quit.

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But the world has no questions for him except for, “so….do you play basketball?”