There was a time when the plaintive call came often, “What’s there to do, Mom?” You seldom hear that anymore. Before kids are barely out of diapers, they are bombarded with compelling opportunities for amusement. Little mites scurry about on ice rinks and soccer fields followed by rabid parent fans. The teams sport expensive uniforms. Soccer moms have become a voting bloc. Kid sports’ grip on the nation is amazing. Sports get kids outdoors, teach teamwork, build friendships, and burn energy, but there’s another grip on kids that’s scary.

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