Seems LeBron James has found out, maybe the hard way, that playing sports in a place you love is much more fulfilling. (That's one big reason why Dr. Mike in Cleveland forgave him in a microsecond for ever leaving!) Recently, when the 29-year-old basketball superstar decided to head back to northeastern Ohio, he declared: "It's where I walked ... ran ... cried.

It holds a special place in my heart." Clearly, returning to the Cleveland Cavs is going to make playing professional basketball a lot more fun for King James.
 

Interestingly, LeBron's decision coincides with a recent study showing that 70 percent of kids drop out of organized sports by the time they reach middle school - and never play again - because they aren't having fun. The kids told researchers that what they wanted from their experiences were team members who were good sports, a focus on playing your best and good coaching.
 

So, to keep your kids physically active and interacting with friends (it fights obesity, boosts self-confidence and improves grades) we suggest:
 

1. Help them find sports/activities they like by being aware of what kids can do emotionally, physically and socially at different stages and ages.
 

2. Help them set attainable goals that build confidence.
 

3. Find a coach who can motivate (not intimidate) kids, so they enjoy playing their best.

And teach your kids at 9 what it took LeBron 29 years to learn: What matters isn't just whether you win or lose, it's how (well, fairly and with whom) you play the game. That's the real fun.