I’m going to put it as simply as this: It’s OK for your child to not play any organized sports or attend a youth sports camp this summer.

There, I said it.

There is a belief among many out there that in order for your child to succeed in a sport next year, they have to play it over the summer. It’s just not true.

Playing sports over the summer in any fashion can be taxing on a family’s time, their bank account, and most importantly, the athlete.

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I’ve heard stories of families skipping vacations, either because they fell on the week of a sports camp or the money that would have been spent to head to the beach is instead invested in travel team tournaments.

I’ve listened to kids complain at the pool because they have to get out of the water and rest up for practice while their friends continue to swim.

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I’ve watched neighbors leave the water gun battles in my backyard in tears because they have to attend a midweek summer practice.

Don’t get me wrong. If your child loves playing sports in the summer and your family can manage it without everyone else suffering, so be it.

But parents should never feel that if their child isn’t at a camp, playing on a travel team, or competing in something, that they will fail when the regular season comes along.

Should kids be active and away from electronics and the TV? Absolutely. But it can be on their terms.

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I firmly believe that youth sports are wonderful for kids. I also believe that children, and their families, need a break. Sometimes, summer is the only time for that break.

Don’t be afraid to take a break. You, and your child, have earned it.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.