Getting Your Kids Interested In Sports

Sports is one of the most important activities that a kid should include in his life. It has many benefits that can bring a positive effect in their life. So, it is necessary to let each child out there play and enhance their young life.

Sports make them strong not only physically but mentally too. If the child doesn’t feel like playing outside, the best should be tried to make them get involved in sports. A lazy body has a lazy brain too!

Reasons to get them involved

1. Makes them healthy and strong– If your child is sitting at home all time, there may be chances that he gets lazy and even won’t be able to study properly. Also, not doing physical activities can make them weak. If the child is active by playing outside, he can be healthy and strong and will also be able to study properly.
2. Increases self-confidence– Sports is the best way to increase one’s self-confidence. There is always a sport for anyone that they can play well. It can increase their confidence by playing it in front of a coach or teammates. Being a part of a team itself increases the child’s self-esteem.
3. Proper healthy weight– Some kids do not have proper weight according to their age. Such kids should play sports. Whether your kid is too healthy or too weak, still playing some sport is a must for them but with a proper diet. Sports can make the child strong and they do not get ill easily.
4. Teaches discipline– Each player in each sport require discipline. They are made to maintain and practice discipline. They need to behave according to the particular sport rule. This discipline in kids is beneficial for further life.
5. Develop new skills– Kids are taught many different techniques that help them develop new skills. They can learn about how they need to focus on their goal. They can even learn how to do smart work rather than hard work since different techniques are provided to them such that they easily hit their goal.

How to Get Your Kids Involved with Sports

There are, of course, many ways that you can try to make your child love sports but every child’s thinking, point of view and interest is different. You should know the reason first that why your child is not interested in playing sports with his/her friends and mates and then only choose the solution that can work for them. Talk to them and know what they need.

• If you feel that child feel pressured or feels scared of the coach, make sure to make them comfortable with his coach. Tell him not to feel pressurized under the circumstances instead tell him to believe in themselves. Next time when he goes playing out, make sure to boost him up with confidence. Children need not worry about if they win or lose, they just need to know that they can play the best.
• Invite some of your child’s friend and make them play outside. Playing with friends can be more fun and a wonderful way to nurture the love for sports.
• Show some positive videos or matches related to sports to your child so that he develops an interest in sports. Do not scold them if they try but still lose.
• Make sure whatever you do about sports for them, do not gets boring. Kids will love it until it’s fun and interesting.
• It is to be noted that you do not force your child to go out and play. Do it gradually with love and take the child out yourself.
• Parents shall not decide which sport their child should play. You can give some suggestions but try not to be selective and forceful to the child to choose the sport you want. Let them play multiple sports and decide later what they really love to play.

Make them play the sport based on their age:

1. 3 to 5 years can play games like kicking balls, hide-and-seek, running and other such creative games.
2. 6 to 9 years can start with gymnastics. It is the best sport that can make their body flexible, strong muscles and many more benefits.
3. 9 to 12 years can play basketball, football, hockey, etc. Also, they can be introduced to sports like hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, etc.
4. Teenagers and older can choose a particular sport for specialization. They shall do this decision by themselves based on what they like to play.

Take care of their physical and mental health. This can’t be done better if you motivate them to go outside and play as many sports games as they can and want. Make sure of their safety while they play a sport like a cricket, hockey, etc. Do not motivate or let them down when they play bad.

Good things take time. Some good results take time and some take more hard work. Just be patient and supportive towards your child. Every child is a successful person in their parent’s eyes!

Image Source: Unsplash

Written by Jiya