Sports for your child aren’t just about increasing physical fitness, they’re also a wonderful way to build teamwork, confidence and improve body image. It can be challenging to find the right sport for your child and you may hit a few bumps along the way.
Making new friends
When your child is young it can help if they sign up for a sport with a friend. It’s also a good idea, however to encourage them to make new friends just in case their friends decide the sport isn’t for them.
Benefits of team sports
It’s a good idea for every child to try some team sport at some stage during their childhood. Playing a team sport will build resilience and teach lots of skills that will prove valuable through their life, such as working as part of a team.
Making new friends
When your child is young it can help if they sign up for a sport with a friend. It’s also a good idea, however to encourage them to make new friends just in case their friends decide the sport isn’t for them.
Benefits of team sports
It’s a good idea for every child to try some team sport at some stage during their childhood. Playing a team sport will build resilience and teach lots of skills that will prove valuable through their life, such as working as part of a team.
Team sports don’t have to be limited to soccer or basketball, rowing, gymnastics, dance and swimming all have aspects of team sports and are just as beneficial. You just need to find the right sport for your child.
Benefits of solo sports
Solo sports can tech dedication, persistence and build a child’s self-esteem. Even though their chosen sport may be played on their own, there are often still lots of opportunities to socialise and compete with others so the benefits of a team sport may also apply.
How to choose a sport
Examine what your child is interested in, is she very active? Does she love running around? Does she love watching her sisters play football? Has she expressed an interest in a certain sport or does she love to dance?
Benefits of solo sports
Solo sports can tech dedication, persistence and build a child’s self-esteem. Even though their chosen sport may be played on their own, there are often still lots of opportunities to socialise and compete with others so the benefits of a team sport may also apply.
How to choose a sport
Examine what your child is interested in, is she very active? Does she love running around? Does she love watching her sisters play football? Has she expressed an interest in a certain sport or does she love to dance?
If you choose a sport that she is already interested in this is going to make the process a lot easier. Look at what is available in your area and go from there.
Trying it out
Most sports will facilitate your child trying out a session or two without needing to buy a uniform or commit to a season. Your child can usually just go along in plain shorts and a t-shirt to see how they like to play the sport.
Persistence pays
Before your child commits to a sport, it’s a good idea to speak to them about ground rules beforehand. Explain to them that sports are expensive and by leaving mid-way through a term they will be letting down everyone else on the team.
Trying it out
Most sports will facilitate your child trying out a session or two without needing to buy a uniform or commit to a season. Your child can usually just go along in plain shorts and a t-shirt to see how they like to play the sport.
Persistence pays
Before your child commits to a sport, it’s a good idea to speak to them about ground rules beforehand. Explain to them that sports are expensive and by leaving mid-way through a term they will be letting down everyone else on the team.
Laying down ground rules beforehand lets everyone know where they stand.
Be a good sport
Whichever sport your child gets involved in; remember you are their most influential role model. Be there to cheer them on and to offer encouragement. Teach them the benefits of being a good loser and always ensure they offer to shake the other team’s hand.
Be a good sport
Whichever sport your child gets involved in; remember you are their most influential role model. Be there to cheer them on and to offer encouragement. Teach them the benefits of being a good loser and always ensure they offer to shake the other team’s hand.
Sports are a wonderful way to ensure that children grow into healthy, successful adults.
