When you become a parent, no one tells you how much time and energy—and, let's be real, money—you're going to spend on your child's extracurricular activities, especially sports. Is playing a sport even worth it? As a former athlete and current proud Sports Mom, Laura says YES! This week, she's sharing why the commitment to play a sport is so worthwhile for kids. From learning how to push yourself, to being a helpful teammate and leader, to embracing progress over perfection and learning lessons from failure and trying again, playing a sport can be a practice field for the game of life. Plus, they're just plain *fun!*   Thanks to our episode sponsors! BETTERHELP | Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/simplified    HUNGRYROOT | Get 30% off your first delivery and get free veggies for life at http://hungryroot.com/simplified    COSMO TECHNOLOGIES |Get  30% off a new JrTrack watch with code SIMPLIFIED at http://cosmotogether.com  * * * GET Audio Episodes Ad Free + Early Access to New Episodes https://apple.co/3ICMUmk READ the Show Notes https://emilyley.com/podcast    SHOP Simplified Planners & Products! https://emilyley.com    SUBSCRIBE  to Emily’s Substack! https://emilyley.substack.com/    GET Emily’s New Book! https://emilyleybooks.com/sure-as-the-sunrise    * * * SUBSCRIBE to The Simplified Podcast! Apple Podcasts | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Apple  Spotify | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Spotify  Stitcher | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Stitcher  YouTube |http://bit.ly/Simplified-YouTube    * * * Let’s Be FRIENDS! Simplified: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/simplified/  Facebook |https://www.facebook.com/simplified  Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/emilyley/  Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/emilyley/  YouTube | http://bit.ly/Simplified-YouTube    Emily Ley:  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/EmilyLey/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/emilyley    Our Co-Hosts! Laura Kashner | https://www.instagram.com/laurakashner/  Liz Holtzman | https://www.instagram.com/lizmholtzman/