How often does your child need to play hockey? There's probably a handful of glib answers to this question, but it's a question that many parents ask themselves during the hockey season. Half of hockey parents out there are worried that their child isn't getting enough time on the ice, while the other half are tearing their hair out as they wonder if they'll ever get a break. As you might imagine, the answer to this question generally relies upon a sense of moderation.

On one hand, it's important that your child gets time on the ice. If he or she loves playing hockey, he or she is going to want to improve. You're looking at a kid who probably plays to have fun, and having fun means participating. If your child is getting benched every game, it's time to look for a less competitive league - one that will allow your child to spend time playing and actively improving.

On the other hand, it's important to embrace sanity. If your child is participating in hockey practices, playing in games and going to the Rick Heinz Goalie Camp during the off-season, you probably don't need to look at any more ice time for him or her. Don't push your child into highly competitive hockey tournaments that would destroy even professional players. Remember, you're looking at a child who has a child's body; don't exhaust your child just because you want him or her to get better at the game.

The right amount of hockey is the amount that your child enjoys and that doesn't exert him or her in other areas of his or her life. If hockey is the only thing that he or she can do because of the time commitment, it's probably time to cut back. If your child is spending so much time on the bench that he or she is forgetting how to skate, you probably want to find a league that's going to allow for more play time.

There's no right or wrong answer here. Some kids need more time, while others need less. Instead of looking for a solid number, pay attention to your child's interest in hockey You should know if the league is asking too much or too little of him or her. It's up to you as a parent to make the best decision for all involved.