Sports are not just for professional sportsmen. They have long been known to keep kids busy and fit. Besides that, being involved in sports teaches children important life skills and improves their confidence. Here are a few good reasons to involve your youngster in sports:
• Teamwork. By helping their teammates, resolving conflicts, persevering together and having to push themselves harder for the sake of the team, kids learn valuable social skills: understanding, encouraging, staying accountable to the coach and the team and taking responsibility for themselves and their teammates.
• Character development. Sports are not meant to be easy. They are competitive; they require willpower, commitment and perseverance. Kids who develop these character qualities early on can lead and succeed in the future. They will not be afraid of difficulties and will be able to finish what they started.
• Confidence. Sure, they won’t always be all stars or most valuable players, but each time that they reach a new height, they will feel more confident than they have before. It will give them encouragement and reassurance that they can do what they set their minds to do.
• Time management and stress management. Sports do require a significant time commitment. Kids that are involved in one or more extracurricular activity are known to have higher levels of stress. This can be a positive thing though as the young minds learn to manage their schedule and their stress. It keeps them occupied and increases the time they spend under adult supervision. At risk youth can benefit from this extra time the most.
Parents do need to be careful though. Stressed, overloaded kids may not be getting enough down time or sleep and may thus get depressed or anxious. It is ok to say no to some activities or eliminate activities that put extra pressure on not only children, but all of the family members.