Having a restless kid can be difficult to endure, just ask any parent. So, instead of scolding your child, it’s much better to keep them fully active with sports.
However, you’ll need to be careful when choosing sports. Since each kid has different interests, make sure to find something that’ll motivate them to excel and practice every week.
Here are some ways parents can help choose sports for kids:
1. If Your Kid is Extroverted, Choose Group Sports
In case your kid is friendly, talkative and outgoing, choose a group sport. This will not only help them gain more friends but also have fun among their peers.
Whether it’s basketball, football, baseball or volleyball, chances are your kid will have a great time playing a sport that requires teamwork and collaboration.
Of course, make sure that the kid is actually talented for the said sport. So, if you see that they’re reluctant about training, don’t be harsh about it.
Instead, take some time to have a chat with your child and if necessary. Have a talk with a coach or other team members’ parents. In case you see that there’s no improvement, ask your kid if they’d like to have a go at another sport instead.
On the other hand, if your kid is shy and introverted, a group sport might help them find new friends and learn some social skills. Just be sure to do it gradually and slowly, so your kid won’t be overwhelmed.
2. Martial Arts for More Resilience
For kids that need to toughen up a little, martial arts are a great choice. Learning karate, judo or taekwondo can help your kid be more self-confident.
Now, that doesn’t mean they have to become bullies or super tough but learning about self-defense can help them become self-reliant and improve their reflexes.
However, before you sign them up for classes, make sure you’ve picked the right discipline. There’s no point in sending your kid to the class they won’t be able to enjoy due to the incompatibility.
In case you don’t know where to start, look up Fighting Report where you can find a lot of useful information about various sports, including martial arts, for adults and children alike. It’s also important to lower your expectations and let your kid enjoy learning a new discipline without being stifled by your ambitions.
Remember, the first and foremost goal is to make your child enjoy sports and learn self-discipline.
3. Always Consider Multiple Factors Before Choosing
Prior to choosing a sport, you need to consider different factors, such as your kid’s age, mental and emotional maturity and of course, physical traits.
For example, if your kid isn’t tall, there’s no point in choosing basketball, since it’s not going to make them feel confident, compared to other tall kids in the team.
As mentioned before, introverted kids are more suitable for individual sports such as tennis, running and swimming. The goal is to help your child learn about self-responsibility and effort.
Also, make sure the coach is patient and nurturing since there’s no point sending your kid to someone who’s aggressive and likes to yell. A good coach needs to motivate the kid and make them love playing and practicing.
When it comes to you, it’s crucial to have patience and be invested, especially if you see that your kid’s getting into the said sport. Always ask questions and be interested, in order to encourage the kid to continue practicing.
Naturally, before you finally decide on a sport, try multiple ones, until you find something that works.
So, in conclusion, these are some ways you as a parent can help your child choose the right sport. It’s essential to research and take your child’s sensibilities and desires into consideration.
Don’t be a sports variation of a stage parent, because no parent should ever live out their dreams through their child. Instead, focus on your kid’s well-being, teach them about self-love and the importance of playing sports for the sake of being healthy and happy.
Many states require a sports physical before a child is allowed to participate in any athletic activity. Even if an exam isn’t required where you live, doctors strongly recommend getting one and here’s why.
