Kids nowadays are getting increasingly hooked to computer games and PSPs and the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There is a constant deviation from physical exercises among the kids leaving parents worried. As news about obesity amongst kids rises as among the biggest plagues to haunt children, parents watch out for ways and opportunities to get their children interested in some sports activity.
Studies show that playing a selected sport has several other benefits for kids in addition besides the usual health and fitness benefits. Not only do sports keep kids active, it can help them concentrate better, improves their social skills and helps them learn and employ sportsmanship. However, in order to develop a childs involvement in a particular sport it is imperative that you first analyzes the kids age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Don’t assume all kids are natural athletes and it’s also crucial that we first understand the cause of their dislike for sports.
Sports is usually a turn-off for children for a multitude of reasons. One of the primary factors that keeps kids from taking up a specific sport is that they are still in a phase when they’re developing their basic skills.
Children below six to seven years old have shorter attention spans and don’t have the capacity to understand the intricacies of the rules that are needed to play organized sports. When children reach this age they are able to understand the sport better and require to practice to get a hang of the sport. The hits and misses while understanding how to play can result in frustration along with an ensuing disinterest.
It also is noted that some kids are unwilling to play team sports because they seem to be too competitive for them. Sports including football, baseball are rigorous and centered on winning which could unnerve them. Maintaining a positive environment helps to ensure that the kids remain motivated and interested.
At times kids are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They could be more at ease playing individual sports rather than team sports. It is best to let the child explore his or her interests and choose their own. Self consciousness can certainly be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a very important part in this as smaller kids are likely to feel more intimidated. It’s very important so as to channelize the childs energies in the right direction and keep them from getting frustrated.
Among the best sports to get kids involved in are basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey and soccer amongst team sports and gymnastics, horseback riding, skating and soccer amongst individual sports. Parents must realize that imposing a particular sporting activity upon a young child certainly won’t aid in developing the childs affinity for the sport.
Once the child discovers his or her own interest, they are going to find their own league. Infact, the emphasis needs to be on kids getting enough physical activity by means of any exercise, whether it is sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can result in long lasting benefits by helping your child develop his or her fascination with a sports activity that could last a lifetime.