The Bledsoe Firm - April 2019

Whether you were the star player or the kid who picked flowers in the middle of the field all game, almost everyone has memories of being on a sports team when they were young. Some lose interest over time and pursue other activities, while others find they really enjoy their sport, maybe have a real talent for it, and continue playing until they are young adults. Whatever the case, parents should take a couple of factors into consideration when determining if their child is ready for sports. If they begin playing too early, it might turn them off to the sport before they really understand it. It could also result in premature wear on muscles and bones that prevents them from playing their sport later on. Most experts believe that the proper age for introducing your child to sports is somewhere between 6 and 9 years old. When they are younger than 6, it is important for them to be active, but their motor skills are not yet developed enough to play most competitive sports. Trying to get them to understand this fact at that age might only make them frustrated with the sport and make them dislike it before they can even give it a try. Even when children are between the ages of 6 and 9, they might not be ready for sports that require higher forms of coordination, like football or hockey. Instead, try sports like T-ball, soccer, or karate. They won’t be ready for more intensive sports until they are 10–12 years old.

If your child does not seem to enjoy team sports, you might see if they may like more individual sports, like running or swimming. Their personality can be just as significant as their age when it comes to choosing the right sport. Some children might not show interest in organized sports at all. If your child does not seem interested in any sports, even though they are old enough to understand the rules and are coordinated enough to play, you might want to consider other activities, like art or music classes. Still, it is essential that they are active for at least an hour every day, no matter their interests. Sometimes kids will get frustrated with the sports they play (even if they like playing them), and they might want to quit. If your child doesn’t seem to like the sport you signed them up for, encourage them to at least finish out the season. They might just need a little more time to warm up to it. However, if they still aren’t enjoying it at the end of the season, help them find other activities that they might like better. Ultimately, when a child is ready to play sports, it is important to stay in tune with what brings them joy and what keeps them mentally and physically healthy.

ACTIVE SEARCHING FOR ACTIVE PASTIMES Finding the Right Time to Get Your Children Into Sports

Full Disclosure Part 2

3 M ore T hings Y ou N eed to S hare with Y our D ivorce L awyer

The more you share with your divorce attorney, the better they can represent you during a divorce. Last month, we looked at three things you need to share with your lawyer as you work through a divorce. This month, we will go over three more things you can expect your attorney to ask you as you make this major life change. What do your kids know? It’s likely the most sensitive conversation you have with your children. It is helpful for your lawyer to understand your family dynamic and parental relationship before stepping into a divorce hearing or mediation. Questions about custody, child support, and visitation can be difficult and complicated, but they need to be out on the table. Did you sign a prenuptial agreement? Often, a valid prenuptial agreement dictates the direction of divorce proceedings. As these contractual agreements become more popular, they are also becoming more sophisticated and encompassing. Some divorces will unfold in direct alignment to prenuptial terms and conditions. This can increase the efficiency of your divorce, but it can also raise complications.

to negotiate for an alternative outcome, hiding a prenuptial agreement only puts your lawyer at a disadvantage.

Are you and your spouse on the same page? Traditionally, many divorces are handled in a contested and challenging environment — spouses are not usually on the same page. Negotiations are fraught with arguments, hurt feelings, strong disagreements, and opposing perspectives. That said, the number of uncontested divorces is on the rise and a greater number of spouses are finding they can agree on the various issues of a divorce. The Bledsoe Firm is at the forefront of assisting couples through these alternative processes. If you want to split from your spouse without the fighting, we can help. The first thing we need to figure out is if your spouse agrees with this approach.

For more articles like this one, be sure to visit our blog at justfamilylaw. com/family-law-expert-blog for more insight!

Your attorney needs to know early on if you have a valid prenuptial agreement. Even if you disagree with some of the terms or want

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