Kids these days are becoming increasingly hooked to video games and PSPs plus the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There’s a constant deviation from physical activities amongst 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.
Research has shown that playing a selected sport has a number of other benefits for the 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 interest in a particular sport it is imperative that one first analyzes the youngsters age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Don’t assume all children are natural athletes and it is essential that we first understand the cause of their dislike for sports.
Sports is usually a turn-off for children for a large number of reasons. One of the biggest factors that keeps kids from trying out a particular sport is that they are still at a phase when they’re developing their basic skills. free sports arbitrage betting calculator
Children below six to seven years old have shorter attention spans and don’t have the ability to grasp the intricacies of the rules which are needed to play organized sports. When children reach this age they are able to understand the sport better and need to practice in order to get a hang of the sport. The hits and misses while learning how to play can lead to frustration along with an ensuing disinterest.
In addition, it has been noted that some kids are reluctant to play team sports as they seem to be too competitive for them. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and focused on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining an optimistic environment helps to ensure that the kids remain motivated and interested.
At times children are still undecided upon the sport of their choice. They might be more at ease playing individual sports rather than team sports. It is best to let the child explore his / her interests and decide on their own. Self consciousness can certainly be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a critical part in this as smaller kids tend 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 understand that imposing a specific sporting activity upon a young child certainly won’t help in developing the childs affinity for the game.
As soon as the child discovers his or her own interest, they will find their own league. Infact, the emphasis should 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 term benefits by helping your son or daughter develop his or her fascination with a sports activity that will last a lifetime.