Children's sports have become more than just a time-consuming activity for parents. Team-building efforts have become economic investments that only a privileged few can participate in.
TikToker Liz McKechnie took to the video-sharing site in shock when her son offered to pay her son $20,000 in exchange for playing travel hockey that year.
McKenney shared the story of parents who offered a teenage boy $20,000 to quit playing travel hockey for a season.
Clearly, these parents resented the time and expense spent on extracurricular activities and were at a loss.
Why the hefty sum of $20,000? Because this family has to pay that much every year for him to play.
Perhaps the funniest part of McKechnie's story is that the teenager said “no.”
McKenney jokingly stated what we're all thinking. “So I guess I'm just asking if there's anyone willing to pay me to not play hockey this year, because I'd say, 'Yes.'
For most parents, the cost of their child's sports is intolerable.
According to data from Project Play, the average family spends nearly $900 per year on sports for each child. When you factor in siblings and the fact that most children play different sports each season, the bill can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. In New Jersey, some travel soccer programs may charge a fee of $4,000 per player for a three-month season.
While most parents would do anything to make their child's dreams come true, the sad reality is that most children quit their favorite sport by the age of 11, according to a 2019 study.
These costs highlight the privilege and economic disparities that seem to underline the once-lauded institution of youth sports. Gone are the days when volunteer parents led the way and local businesses supplied the “Bad News Bears” style jerseys.
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Kids sports are big business. Middle-class families struggle to finance these hobbies, meaning disadvantaged communities are left completely behind.
Charlie Maher, professor emeritus at Rutgers University and sports psychologist for the Cleveland Guardians, told NJ.com. Those who are better off will have more opportunities to learn, better instruction, and more opportunities to play for money. If that happens, children from economically undeveloped areas, where their parents literally don't have money, will be left behind. ”
All children's sports are expensive, but hockey seems to be the most outrageous.
According to Hockey Think Tank, the average cost of a hockey season is $10,000 to $20,000, including travel, equipment and coaching fees.
Travel costs appear to be a large part of the bill, as the U.S. team may take five to 10 air trips a year, each requiring hotel stays.
Don't be afraid to commit to your time.
Teams can play 20 to 40 games per season in addition to practicing twice a week. In one season he may need more than 100 “sessions”, and these athletes may be as young as 7 years old.
The time it takes for a family is difficult to justify, especially when considering the cost. When can parents and children relax together? When do they play? Spend time with friends or run errands?
Why would anyone turn down $20,000?
It's clear that this teenager is passionate about hockey, but his parents are clearly having a hard time.
Families must sometimes try to find balance. Their hope was that by emphasizing the costs to their son, he would understand the difference between value and enjoyment.
He obviously has the privilege of continuing to play and his parents are lucky to be able to give him that opportunity.
Madison Piering is a writer on YourTango's news and entertainment team, specializing in human interest and pop culture topics.
