Did you know active participation in an organized sport can have several positive physical and developmental benefits for children? Not only can it promote a lifelong love of physical activity, but it teaches children teamwork, cooperation and the value of working hard to accomplish their goals.
If you're like some parents, you've been anxiously awaiting the day your child is old enough to participate in organized sports. However, some parents have quietly been dreading the day. The decision to enroll a child in a sport can be overwhelming, especially for parents who haven't done it before. There are so many options to choose from. How on earth is a parent supposed to know how to get your kid to play sports?
Whether you're in the first category of eager parents, or you find yourself more in the second group, you're likely to have a lot of questions when it comes to choosing sports for your child. Parents of younger children can find this process especially challenging, since younger children often don't have much exposure to sports. The world of youth sports may take some getting used to. However, you can take some basic steps to help your child enjoy themselves as they figure out where their interests and skills meet.
Benefits of Organized Sports
Organized sports are fun. It's hard to find a person who hasn't enjoyed cheering for their favorite football team or Olympic athlete at some point in their life. We love competition. And, as parents, we also love when our kids are active. But did you know there's more to playing soccer or basketball than just learning how to kick a ball downfield, or dribble one down a court?
Organized sports can also benefit kids by helping them develop motor skills, self-confidence and social skills. Those all sound like excellent things, but what exactly does that mean for your child?
Typically, when children participate in organized sports, they come away with a better understanding of how to:
- Correctly play a game, reducing the chance of injury later in life.
- Work hard and practice as the means to improve and succeed.
- Cooperate with people who are different than they are.
- Enjoy sports and value an active lifestyle.
- Gain confidence that comes with learning a new skill or building positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Understating the value of physical activity in children is impossible. In fact, studies have shown involvement in regular physical activity as a child can reduce the risk of certain adult health issues, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. By teaching children to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, they learn the value of an active lifestyle, and they have an increased chance of continuing to value physical activity as they get older.
We've all seen the little one standing in the middle of the soccer field picking dandelions and ignoring the action on the field. If you're like most parents, one of the biggest questions lurking in your mind is, "Is my child ready to play sports?"
While some experts say age 6 or 7 is the ideal time for a child to begin sports because they are physically and emotionally mature enough to handle competition, these days, teams are geared toward preschool-aged children!
When it comes to deciding whether or not it's time to sign your child up for sports, there are a few questions to ask yourself:
Choosing Sports for Kids
Some parents will notice their child asking questions about a particular activity or sport, which makes it easy to figure out what to try first. But, if they haven't shown an interest in any specific activity, you may still be wondering, "What sport is best for my child?" There are a few questions parents can ask to narrow down their options.
1. Will my child thrive in a team environment, or will they do better in a sport where they are performing as an individual?
2. Based on their age, which sport is best for my child?
3. What approach do the organization and coach take to organized sports?
Types of Sports
Once you've answered those questions, you can begin to wade through the options with more confidence. As you're considering which option might be the best fit for your child, it's also good to look at how each game is structured and how a child may respond to it.
1. Soccer
This is a great sport for all! It's also something your child can practice on their own when they aren't with their team. Soccer combines team play and individual skills, making it fun for everyone.
2. Baseball
This one, along with its cousins tee-ball and softball, is another excellent game for children. Baseball is also a combination of team play and individual achievement, because each player on the team has a unique role, but the players still have to work together to win the game.
3. Flag Football
Flag football is fun for everyone and a safer alternative for parents who might hesitate letting their children start tackle football.
4. Basketball
Like soccer, basketball is an excellent sport for younger children who haven't played a sport before. It can be a strong option because kids can practice on their own, and of course, with their parents!
5. Gymnastics
Gymnastics offers many positive physical benefits and improves confidence and self-esteem!
6. Martial Arts
By practicing martial arts, participants learn the value of hard work, discipline, honor, integrity, and respect for themselves and others.
How Will I Know If My Child Enjoys It?
When your child is young, playing sports can come with a lot of trial and error. It's hard to know where their interests and talents lie until you allow them the space to explore. As they do that, there are certain things you can do as a parent to guide them through their exploration. That's why it's important to stay involved with them, not only taking them to and from practices and games, but also practicing with them at home and talking to them about their experiences. There are also a couple of things parents can do to determine how a child feels about a particular sport.
1. Expose them to more than one sport.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children explore a variety of sports and avoid specializing in one particular sport until they are at least 15 years old. That means it's healthy to allow your children to try different sports, as well as other non-athletic activities, as they grow. This approach allows them to enjoy the activity and avoid the pressure and pitfalls that come with an intense focus on one activity at a young age.
2. Watch your child.
Is your child enthusiastic about their sport? That's a sign they love what they're doing. If they're dragging their feet or don't seem engaged, what is the reason behind it? If a sport is beyond their physical abilities, or they are spending too much time on practice and games, you may notice your child seems burnt out.
Next Steps
The hardest part of getting your child involved in sports is knowing where to start. There are so many options in so many different places, it can seem impossible to choose one. At the Gateway Region YMCA, we're committed to providing a wide variety of youth sports programs for children of all ages. Y sports promise no try outs, no getting cut and no bench warmers! Every child plays at least half of every game while making friends and learning new techniques. If sports aren't their thing, we can take care of that, too — with our day camps, classes and other youth-centric activities, they're sure to find something that gets them excited. We can help you find the perfect fit for your child. Contact your local Y today!