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 one of the biggest plagues to haunt children, parents look out for ways and possibilities to get their children interested in some sports activity.
Research has shown that playing a selected sport has several other benefits for kids as well apart from the usual health 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, to be able to establish a childs interest in a particular sport it truly is imperative that one first analyzes the youngsters age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Not all kids are natural athletes and it is crucial that we first be aware of the reason behind 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 taking up a particular sport is that they are still in a phase when they’re developing their basic skills.
Children below six to seven years of age have shorter attention spans and don’t have the ability 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 game. The hits and misses while learning how to play can lead to frustration and an ensuing disinterest.
It also is noted that some kids are reluctant to play team sports because they are most often too competitive for the kids. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and focused on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining a positive environment ensures that the kids remain motivated and interested.
Occasionally kids are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They might be more comfortable playing individual sports rather than team sports. It is best to let the child explore his / 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 is very important to be able to channelize the childs energies in the right direction and keep them from getting frustrated.
Among the best sports for getting kids involved with are basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey and soccer amongst team sports and gymnastics, horse riding, skating and soccer amongst individual sports. Parents must understand that imposing a particular sporting activity upon a young child certainly won’t help in developing the childs affinity for the sport.
Once the child discovers his or her own interest, they are going to find their very own league. Infact, the emphasis should be on kids getting enough physical activity in the form of any exercise, be it sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can lead to long lasting benefits by helping your child develop his or her fascination with a sports activity that will last a lifetime.