Would you allow your kids to lift heavy weights?

@jaz2009 (117)
Sweden
November 22, 2009 4:38pm CST
I have just watched a documentary show about the strongest child in the world. They featured some children in America and Romania who were being trained at their early age. The children (both girls and boys) were just 3 years old and above and were trained so hard, mostly by their father. They had been in various competitions about lifting weights, which seemed really heavy for their age. I wondered why their parents allowed them to do that. For me, I would never let my child to be in weight-lifting workouts, not even if she's old enough. Those children should be playing or enjoying their younger days. I felt terribly worried about the negative effects of lifting weights to their body. It could affect their growth and damage their bones or even kill themselves if they do that incorrectly. As a parent, what would you feel about this topic? Would you also let your kids lift heavy weights?
3 people like this
10 responses
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
22 Nov 09
I wouldn't let my children do anything that could stunt their growth. I think lifting weights would mess up with their growing up. Not to mention, the time it takes away for practice, that they should be playing. Although sometimes when I see the bags the children carry to school make me think that they lifting weights already.
1 person likes this
@jaz2009 (117)
• Sweden
14 Feb 11
Thank you bounce58 for your response. It is totally dangerous for children's health. I just don't understand, why there are parents who allow this thing to happen, especially with their own children.
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
22 Nov 09
i saw that few weeks back on tv. there are some parents who let their children into something extreme just to be know all over the world. i have a three year old son and i wont allow that. children has the right to play and to do like other children do. you can give them small chores but not hard work. i feel bad to children who are not brought up like normal children. welcome to the wonderful world of mylot jaz, goodluck and enjoy.
1 person likes this
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
7 Dec 09
I am on your side that I would not allow my kids to lift heavy weight. I think that kids are supposed to enjoy their childhood instead of receiving the workout for heavy weights. I think that parents who train their kids for doing that might want them to be famous in this sports when they grow up. But I don't want my kids to in this field.
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
23 Nov 09
Hi, jazz. There is no way that I would allow my kids to engage in this. This type of activity should be only used for an adult that is healthy and able to perform this. It is not good for a child to be doing something like this at this age. The parent should be ashamed of himself. You are right, kids should be doing something productive with their time than focusing on something that is dangerous to their bodies.
@charblaize (1026)
• United States
23 Nov 09
I wouldn't let my child do this. These heavy weights on their bones and bodies are not healthy. Their bones are still brittle, be more brittle if not eating or sleeping right. They need to be out enjoying childhood, playing with friends, playing in the dirt, being a child.
• India
27 Mar 13
Thanks for this discussion,lol guess i will never allow that, but they can play with light things suitable for their age.
23 Nov 09
that video must be stupid.....why getting your kids into these kind of stupid contests....... damn ,.....people now days would do anything..... i don't think there would be any argument which can justify this kind of an event
@kezabelle (2974)
23 Nov 09
Personally no I wouldnt its easy for people to say those kids are fine but they have no idea what problems it may cause later on in life and by then it will be too late. I prefer my children to do childrens hobbies they can get exercise etc in so many ways that wont cause possible damage to their muscles etc in the the long term. Im not all that keen on encouraging competitiveness in a child anyway a small amount is good but for them to live for winning?? i dont think so!
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
23 Nov 09
I agree with you. I do not allow my children the heavy lifting. Let them grow normally and naturally.
@tundeemma (894)
• South Africa
23 Nov 09
heavy weights are not design for kids in the first place and i don't think a kid should be after muscle building at that stage, it will look funny if a kid start to show off some muscles so i woudln't even allow my kids to take into weight lifting , rather i will encourage them to engage themselves in sports