When I see these kids 6 years old with a private coach, and at 7

Host: The room is cozy, bathed in the soft light from a nearby lamp. The world outside is quiet now, the evening unfolding into stillness. Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, the weight of their conversation about to shift into something new. The idea of childhood, growth, and the pressure of modern expectations hangs in the air, waiting to be explored.

Jack: “Victoria Azarenka said, ‘When I see these kids 6 years old with a private coach, and at 7, they have a fitness coach, I’m like, ‘Aw, come on.’ At 12, it’s for sure they will lose all the interest in tennis because they do not interact with other kids.’” He says the words slowly, almost with disbelief. “It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? That kids that young are already being pushed so hard in sports. At 6? I don’t know, it just feels like we’re losing something really important about childhood. Play, spontaneity, social interaction.” He pauses, his voice reflecting a deep concern. “Isn’t the whole point of being a kid about exploring, discovering, and having fun?”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When I hear about kids that young having private coaches, it makes me wonder — where’s the time for just being a kid?” Her voice is soft, but her words carry weight. “The pressure to perform so early can rob them of something important: the joy of discovery, the freedom to explore different interests without feeling like they’re already in a race. By 12, as Azarenka points out, they’re burned out because they didn’t get to interact with other kids, to just play and learn social skills.” She shakes her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. “It’s not just about the sport, is it? It’s about growing up, about being part of a community, about having a childhood that’s full of variety and connection.”

Jack: “But the thing is, we’ve gotten so obsessed with performance, right? Parents, schools, even the kids themselves — there’s this overwhelming pressure to excel. To be the best, to win. At such a young age.” His voice grows more frustrated, his gaze intense. “I get that sports can be a way to instill discipline, focus, and work ethic. But where does it cross the line? When does it stop being about enjoying the game and start being about pushing kids to a level that’s just too much?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s about finding a balance. Sure, discipline is important. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of mental and emotional well-being. Childhood should be about exploration and play. Kids should have the freedom to choose their interests without feeling like they’re locked into one path.” She leans forward slightly, her voice soft but firm. “When we push them too hard, too soon, we take away their ability to just enjoy the process, to learn from mistakes, and to grow organically. Without that, they don’t just lose interest in the sport — they lose interest in themselves, in who they are becoming, because they’re not given the space to explore different sides of themselves.”

Jack: “Right. The pressure to specialize so young, to be focused on one thing... It can stifle creativity, curiosity, and spontaneity.” He sighs, his voice quiet now, as if he’s been reflecting on this for a while. “And the funny thing is, it’s not even guaranteed success. Just because a kid starts tennis at 6 doesn’t mean they’ll be a champion at 12. In fact, it might do the opposite. The intensity, the lack of freedom, might cause them to lose interest entirely.” He looks at Jeeny, almost searching for confirmation, as though trying to make sense of it all. “Isn’t childhood supposed to be about experimenting with different things, not putting all your eggs in one basket?”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The beauty of childhood is that it’s about freedom, experimentation, and learning in a way that feels natural. Kids should be given the chance to play with different interests, without the pressure of becoming an expert too soon.” She smiles softly, a warmth in her eyes. “What makes kids truly excel — in sports, in creativity, in life — is not just their skill or focus. It’s their ability to play, to be curious, to fall and get back up without fear of failure. When you lose that, you lose their spirit.”

Jack: “It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea that success requires an early start, that we need to mold kids into something specific, right away. But maybe the real success comes when we let them have that freedom to grow in their own way, to discover their passion on their own time.” He leans back, the weight of the conversation settling over him. “Maybe we need to stop pushing them into something they’re not ready for, and let them just be kids first.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Give them the chance to explore, to learn, and to grow at their own pace. Because that’s when the passion for something real develops. When they’ve had the freedom to experience the world and figure out what they really love — without pressure, without being pushed into a mold.” Her smile is warm now, full of quiet assurance. “It’s about nurturing the joy of learning and discovering, and trusting that whatever they truly love will come out of that, naturally.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, the air filled with a quiet understanding. Jack and Jeeny sit together, reflecting on the idea that childhood is about more than just achievement, more than just early specialization. It’s about freedom, curiosity, and the space to explore different paths without pressure. The world outside may continue its fast pace, but inside, they’ve discovered something important: that giving kids the chance to just be and play might be the best way to help them succeed in the long run.