In my area it's not about the kids being babysat until adulthood. It's more about trying to turn their kids into overachievers. Giving them every opportunity to become superstars at whatever sport they like or other activity they enjoy.

The parents at the sports games are absolutely crazy. I have nearly punched a few in the face as I coached different sports with the kids. These parents act like 11 year old hockey needs to be taken so seriously that they are stacking teams, screaming at kids/couches/refs, and buying their kids better equipment then some of the best tournament level players I know use. Never sure if they are trying to live out their dreams via their kids or they just need their kid to be good at something to feel like a good parent...either way it's not healthy and I feel bad for the kids. Way to much stress being put on games that should be fun.

Bored kids come up with some amazingly creative ways to entertain themselves. Today the kids wanted to play xbox and I told them to go outside for an hour. "What are we supposed to do?" Oh how I hate that question. So I told them either figure it out or there is plenty of yard work that needs to be done. 2 and 1/2 hours later they finally came inside laughing and whispering to each other. Love seeing them play together like that and have such a good time. They figured out a couple games while outside and had to come up with creative ways to have a good time.