Helping Your Child to Play Sports

Whether your child is 2 or 18, chances are they are active and interested in all things tech-oriented. But since many kids spend up to 8 hours a day in front of a screen, helping your child to get outside and experience a sport might be one of the best things you can do for them. Playing a sport not only improves health, it increases a child's self-esteem, improves relational skills when teamwork is involved, and helps youths' growing brains to focus on what is at hand, whether that's a basketball game or an exam.



Is there a certain activity your child gravitates to? Maybe they like to splash around in the pool. Or maybe they like to play catch. Even splashing and catching things can grow to become swimming and playing baseball or basketball. And being active in sports such as those help children to develop discipline, motivation, teamwork and passion. It also reduces stress. Such skills and tools will help them to navigate anything in life.

But how to light such a passion in your child?

First, encourage them to get the gist of a sport. Maybe take them to a basketball or football game and let them watch from the sidelines. Explain the rules and strategies, perhaps. Share your own passion for the game, should you have one. Gradually, your child will show interest ... or not. If so, fantastic. You've found a place to develop. If not, keep trying different activities until interest is sparked.

Once your child has identified a particular sport or activity, help them to learn the rules and play fairly, with skill. If you yourself cannot do this, there are coaches, club leaders, and community members who can, and happily do so. Watch as short practices become full-length games once your child has gotten into regular play. You and your child will appreciate the met goals and games won. Even games lost that are played with dignity are worthwhile.

Avoid pushing your budding athlete, however. Pushing simply drives a child to resentment in most cases. Guide your son or daughter to discipline within the sport, but don't push for more than the child is capable of doing or being. Let your child grow without too much pressure. Let him enjoy instead of dread.

Encourage playing outside, too. If a child is active in sports, chances are they'll already spend a lot of time outdoors, but not necessarily so. The basketball player who dribbles down inside courts regularly might not always experience the fresh air of an outdoor court. Sunshine is important to a child's health, so don't forget to be sure they see the light of day!

Once your child has mastered the basic rules and techniques of an activity, then let them hold the reins, so to speak. That is, don't push them to continue in something that they no longer find enjoyable. Allow them to explore other activities if they desire to do so. Your child does not need to be a tennis savant dedicated to playing only racquet sports. Maybe they'll find soccer even more appealing. Give them the freedom to quit one sport for another.

Sports are not only enjoyable, they teach key life skills such as commitment, teamwork, integrity, and physical fitness. Encouraging your child to observe, then participate in an activity could open doors for him or her to grow exponentially in their school careers and in life in general.