Although many parents are signing kids up to play organized sports at as early as 3 years old, experts say they need to ensure that their little ones are playing because they want to and that the emphasis is on having fun, rather than competition.

According to a recent article in Parenting magazine, competition can be stressful for kids under the age of 7 or 8. Experts say moms and dads should keep this in mind, and look for toddler and beginner sports programs that strive to teach kids the basics without designating winners or losers.

It's also important for parents to find a way to encourage their kids to play without pushing them to.

Dr. Eric Small of the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes in Manhattan says parental pressure can often cause kids to burn out at an early age, according to CNN.com.

"The number one reason why they're quitting is that it ceases to be fun," Small told the news provider. "So why is it not fun? Because it becomes too competitive. They're not getting enough playing time. They're frustrated."

Whether your child wants to play soccer, baseball, tennis, golf or basketball, it's important to ensure that he or she has the proper equipment. Buying gently used sports equipment is a great option for families with growing kids, as they can trade-in outgrown items for more appropriate ones.