Blog Update-Genetically Testing Kids for the Champion Genes
I always liked the Sprint commercials that feature their push-to-talk phones in a world ran by professionals most likely to use them (i.e. roadies, a movie production crew, etc.) The humor was on the faces of the people in the commercial who didn't know they were part of an alternate universe that used these phones. My favorite is, what if roadies ran an airport? As flight attendants, big burly guys walk down the aisles of a plane and say, "buckle up, dude." Or, before takeoff, two sound and lighting guys posing as pilots phone the tower saying, "Lights," "Camera," "Action." The plane successfully lifts off to pyrotechnics proving the functionality of the phones.
Then there was the film production crew who did wedding planning. They used their phones to cut the rain and introduce sunshine and cue the cue card behind the reverend that said, "I do," and get a hunky stunt groom to replace the regular groom who got cold feet.
Read http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2008/12/02/22275/ before continuing.
These are funny and outrageous commercials. They are understood to be ridiculous. My mind thinks of them as I read about this idea of genetically testing children to determine their predisposition to play sports. My first thoughts were visions of parents actually playing out that ridiculous scenario. What is the big deal, right? There is no harm in receiving paperwork that helps a parent understand the genetic makeup of their child, better. And, if a parent does have the means to buy their child a competitive advantage, why should they not do so? The biggest reason is it almost statistically impossible. A child is unlikely to receive any more of an advantage than the next child. Very, very, very, very small percentage of athletes get college scholarships. Even smaller percentages of players play for a college squad and play well enough to get drafted and play for a pro team. And finally, an even smaller percentage actually emerge from the bench on that pro team.
Parents can be well intentioned, however misguided. Science, theories and the media have interfered with children’s ability to play and learn sports. They scare parents into fearing unstructured environments. Today's parent feels like they are letting the child down if they are not involved in some organized class or event.
What many parents don’t understand is that children already possess amazing potential, assuming it is unlocked, that is well beyond what any genetic test could tell them. The road to greatness begins in nurturing the potential, not science. The playground is one of the best proving grounds for cultivating talent. Kids learn things, less the pressure of parents and coaches, structured sports settings often miss. Unfortunately, few take the time to properly unlock talent, nurture children’s passion for the game and guide a child’s positive attitude.
I can't say I am surprised that the type of alternate universe the story writes about exists in youth sports. For years, many overeager parents have approached the rearing of their children as athletes like they were thoroughbred horse breeders. DNA testing is just another new way to tap into parents wallets who are willing to buy a winner. My suggestion to parents. Save your money and invest in listening to your child’s needs. Find good coaching that puts kids first. I suggest reading what the parents of Olympic champions did. Most cases, I have found, parents had healthy approaches to nurturing their son or daughters talents.
Regardless of the genetic testing company’s president's sales pitch, parents should have the common sense to know better. If they don't statistics are likely to take over. 70% of children drop out of sports by age 13, and it is overbearing parents and overzealous coaches that are the cause. I fear these hyper-involved parents will focus more on return-on investment before children's best interest.
In the end let’s face it. One child who receives the test will succeed and make it to the pros. Four words, results are not typical. Do what’s in the best interest of children, believe in them and let nature take its course. Just a thought, what if children ran the world? What would they say to these parents considering DNA testing? I am sure it wouldn’t be, just do it, dude!
Brad Kayden, Chief Fun Officer
Jelly Bean Sports, Inc. –Sports Made Simple, Learning Made Fun
www.jellybeansports.com
Then there was the film production crew who did wedding planning. They used their phones to cut the rain and introduce sunshine and cue the cue card behind the reverend that said, "I do," and get a hunky stunt groom to replace the regular groom who got cold feet.
Read http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2008/12/02/22275/ before continuing.
These are funny and outrageous commercials. They are understood to be ridiculous. My mind thinks of them as I read about this idea of genetically testing children to determine their predisposition to play sports. My first thoughts were visions of parents actually playing out that ridiculous scenario. What is the big deal, right? There is no harm in receiving paperwork that helps a parent understand the genetic makeup of their child, better. And, if a parent does have the means to buy their child a competitive advantage, why should they not do so? The biggest reason is it almost statistically impossible. A child is unlikely to receive any more of an advantage than the next child. Very, very, very, very small percentage of athletes get college scholarships. Even smaller percentages of players play for a college squad and play well enough to get drafted and play for a pro team. And finally, an even smaller percentage actually emerge from the bench on that pro team.
Parents can be well intentioned, however misguided. Science, theories and the media have interfered with children’s ability to play and learn sports. They scare parents into fearing unstructured environments. Today's parent feels like they are letting the child down if they are not involved in some organized class or event.
What many parents don’t understand is that children already possess amazing potential, assuming it is unlocked, that is well beyond what any genetic test could tell them. The road to greatness begins in nurturing the potential, not science. The playground is one of the best proving grounds for cultivating talent. Kids learn things, less the pressure of parents and coaches, structured sports settings often miss. Unfortunately, few take the time to properly unlock talent, nurture children’s passion for the game and guide a child’s positive attitude.
I can't say I am surprised that the type of alternate universe the story writes about exists in youth sports. For years, many overeager parents have approached the rearing of their children as athletes like they were thoroughbred horse breeders. DNA testing is just another new way to tap into parents wallets who are willing to buy a winner. My suggestion to parents. Save your money and invest in listening to your child’s needs. Find good coaching that puts kids first. I suggest reading what the parents of Olympic champions did. Most cases, I have found, parents had healthy approaches to nurturing their son or daughters talents.
Regardless of the genetic testing company’s president's sales pitch, parents should have the common sense to know better. If they don't statistics are likely to take over. 70% of children drop out of sports by age 13, and it is overbearing parents and overzealous coaches that are the cause. I fear these hyper-involved parents will focus more on return-on investment before children's best interest.
In the end let’s face it. One child who receives the test will succeed and make it to the pros. Four words, results are not typical. Do what’s in the best interest of children, believe in them and let nature take its course. Just a thought, what if children ran the world? What would they say to these parents considering DNA testing? I am sure it wouldn’t be, just do it, dude!
Brad Kayden, Chief Fun Officer
Jelly Bean Sports, Inc. –Sports Made Simple, Learning Made Fun
www.jellybeansports.com
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