Not sure it is the labeling thing, I have not heard that at all.  I just think there are a number or reasons. First some parent's dream is to have a champion athlete, they are thinking college scholorships, for their child to be discovered by a scout and be the next MLB, NBA, NHL or NFL champion. For others they want their kids to get passionate about something that will take up their time and keep them around people who are like minded. They may feel busy, active kids are less at risk to fall victim to peer pressure and drug and alcohol abuse.

The athletic culture is much different than when I was growing up. Now kids are playing year round of "select" sports and I have found it to be true that if your child is not involved in one of these organiziations they most likely will not be able to play in high school for their school. My daughter (who is not very athletic) enjoyed her middle school volleyball team. It was a no cut sport - as was cross country and track and field. When she got to high school all 11 of the girls who made the team all played in a year round league. I feel like this really limits kids choices once they get older. They almost have to decide at a very young age which sport to focus on. Such a shame!

Perhaps we march to own drummers. Academics, at our house, are the priority, even though, I have come to accept that sports scholarships are more dominant.Living in a small town, sports--especially football, seem to be "the thing"...however, I disagree with the woman's statement and feel that is her personal belief system. My children have never been involved in sports, with the exception of one (she plays soccer). They have all been popular, and quite nerdy. I don't feel that anyone would name them misfits. In watching the evolution of children from my own couch, it seems there is a group for everyone where they fit in. While sports may be the highlight of my town's Friday nights, I am aware that there is a Robotic Team that is celebrating their love for programming and technology--a Book Club that is looking forward to their next read, a Violinist who is awaiting her seat on the symphony. I think, in the end, there is something to be said, from Napoleon Dynamite's Uncle Rico in the line, "Back in '82"...sports may be the spotlight, but eventually, it is the academics that prevail.

I think our society sometimes focuses on money too much. My sister wants her son to play baseball--(because he's good and baseball players make big money)...I think the dream is sometimes they will make the draft and be a hero or "success". My mom's cousin played professional football through the 1970s and his salary was far, far less than what sports players make now. I think every child is different--they have different interests. I don't think there really are "misfits". I listen to my children--my older ones hated braces because they were "nerdy"...my younger kids are excited about braces because they're "cool". As long as your children like themselves, I don't think the stereotypes matter.

My son, yes, he found his own sports to get involved in. My daughter, I never required they take up any kind of sport, but I did require them to go outside & get some exercise. Whether that was shooting hoops, riding bikes or walking around the block. I believe exercise is crucial for everyone despite your age.

In my house my son is a year round baseball player - very focused and would like to try and play in college. He loves PE and any physical activity. My daughter is the opposite - she doesn't particularly enjoy organized sports and would not take PE if it weren't required. She is more into art and music. Each child has their own passions and however society labels them, I feel as parents, we have to keep hammering home the message that it is OK to be yourself, to be different and to be proud of who you are!