Playing sports can help children grow up and develop relationships. By going out and competing with their friends, kids create memories and friendships that can last for a lifetime. However, in today’s sports, the game can be taken too seriously by parents who seem more interested in the score and if their child is hitting home runs.

Drew Kraxner, who coaches fifth-grade baseball in Kansas — while also coaching basketball and football at the middle school and high school level — said the first thing he tells parents at the preseason meeting is to understand that wins and losses aren’t the focal point at this age.

“I coach at the high school level, where obviously winning is very important,” Kraxner said. “However, at this age, there are many things more important than wins and record in elementary school.”