Tips On Choosing A Sport For
Your Child
No matter what a child's interests are-baseball, tae
kwon do, swimming or running-your child is likely to find a
sport that he or she enjoys. The health and fitness benefits
of physical activity will be experienced whether an individual or
team sport is chosen. By practicing good fitness and eating habits
early in life, a child can increase the chances of growing into a
healthy adult. Sports participation can motivate the couch
potato, occupy the child who has idle time, minimize the
habits of the fast-food junkie and relieve stress.
The emotional rewards of self-esteem, social skills and dedication
learned from sports participation can last a lifetime.
Getting Started
The best sport for a child is one that the child finds
fun and interesting. To encourage a healthy and active
lifestyle, you might casually expose your child to a
variety of physical activities and let the child's desires
and abilities act as a guide to further commitment. Spend
some one-on-one time with your child practicing and
learning different sports and recreational activities.
Allow your child the freedom to try different sports. If your child
is interested in a particular sport, check out the programs
available at school, through your city's parks and
recreation association, religious organizations or civic
clubs. Make sure the child has the proper sports equipment, that it
fits properly and that it has all the appropriate safety features.
Spend some one-on-one time with your child practicing
and learning different sports and recreational activities.
A child is likely to enjoy a sport more if allowed to learn
in a relaxed atmosphere while having fun and receiving
support and encouragement from adults.
Athletics for
children should be thought of as a means of entertainment
and recreation. Adults should not pressure a young child to
focus only on winning even if exceptional athletic promise is shown.
A young athlete who might show natural talent in a
particular sport must work hard and show dedication in
order to succeed. Almost any child even if less skilled
than his or her peers can improve with positive support and
coaching.
Keep in mind, however, that enrolling your child in an
organized sport, involves a commitment on your part. Your
child will need appropriate equipment, transportation and,
your support.
The Doctor's OK
To help your child enjoy the activity to the fullest,
you may want to consult with your doctor about
participation in organized sports. A pre-sports checkup
should include a complete physical exam. If your child has
experienced chronic health conditions in the past, do not
rule out sports participation. Ask your doctor whether a
specific activity might be appropriate for your child.
Parental Guidance
Your child will need you more than ever for support and
advice during sports participation. To help your child build
confidence and have fun, try to be actively involved in your child's
endeavor and keep a good attitude. If your child becomes involved in
an organized or team sport, make every effort to attend the
practices and games.
In organized sports, teach your child
that involvement means certain responsibilities are
required-for one's self and towards other participants.
Encourage your child to give activities the best effort
possible, to be responsible and to respect team mates,
coaches and opponents-valuable lessons in sports as well as
in life.
When learning a sport, mistakes are inevitable. Parents
and coaches can lower the stress level by calmly pointing
out that mistakes are opportunities for valuable feedback
on areas for improvement. Adults involved in children's
sports should avoid pushing too hard, overprotecting
or academically delaying a child for competitive reasons.
Fair Play
A child learns by example. How the child is treated-on the field
and off the field can have lasting effects. An atmosphere that is fun
and educational is likely to promote healthy self esteem in
children. An atmosphere that is negative and critical can
hurt the child's self esteem. To promote an enjoyable environment,
help your child follow a philosophy of "fair play." Respect
teammates, as well as opponents, whether they are winning
or losing. Fair play applies to children, parents and coaches.
Here are some fair-play points for players, parents and
coaches:
Player Pointers
Some things for players to keep in mind:
- Enjoy the game!
- Respect teammates, as well as opponents, whether they
are winning or losing.
- Remember that the outcome is never as important as the
lasting impression of warmth, understanding and pure
enjoyment of playing.
- Remember that scoring is most thrilling when it rewards
a true achievement.
- Recognize that playing to win is an essential component
of competition, but seeking victory at any cost defeats the
true meaning of competition.
- Show respect for the referees, umpires and judges at
all times, and accept their decisions in a dignified
manner.
- Lose gracefully, as well as win gracefully.
- Try your best.
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