Genetic Testing for Child Athleticism

In a recent article, Can Gene Test Predict Child’s Athleticism?, Atlas Sports Genetics performs genetic tests to determine if a child will grow up to be athletic.  The company looks at the ACTN3 gene by taking a DNA sample with a simple swab of a child’s cheek and compares it to the genes of professional athletes.

Why Test for the Athletic Gene

If you are skeptical about genetic testing, you may scoff at this new type of genetic testing.  After all, knowing if a child has the “athletic gene” is not necessary and at $150 a test, you may find it a waste of money.  However, it may be useful to think about the long term benefits of knowing this information about your child.

Encouraging Your Child

Playing sports is a great way for a child to build self-confidence and esteem.  Encouraging your child to excel at what he/she is good at will help foster that value your child should hold for him/herself.  Kids these days have so many negative influences coming from peers and media.  Showing your children that they can become active in sports and in their life will help them see that they have control over their life, not others.

Helping Your Child Choose an Activity

If the genetic test comes back saying that your child doesn’t have the “athletic gene” it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still encourage your child to try sports.  If your child has an interest in something, be there for your child.  If he/she does not do well and starts to feel bad about him/herself, you may want to encourage your child to try other activities that will make him/her feel good.  The benefit of having this test is that you will understand why your child may not do as well as you or he/she would like and then be able to encourage your child to excel at something else.

What do you think of this testing?  Would you test your child for the “athletic gene”?

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/picsrgood/521815697/)

May 22nd, 2009 by Marcelina Hardy | Posted in DNA Testing | (2)