Information about creating kids interest in sports
Kids these days are becoming increasingly hooked to computer games and PSPs and the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There is a constant deviation from physical exercises among 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 possibilities to get their children involved in some sports activity.
Research has shown that playing a selected sport has several other benefits for the kids as well 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 practice sportsmanship. However, to be able to develop a childs involvement in a particular sport it is imperative that you first analyzes the kids age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Don’t assume all children are natural athletes and it’s also essential that we first understand the reason behind their dislike for sports.
Sports is usually a turn-off for children for a multitude of reasons. One of the primary factors that keeps kids from trying out a specific sport is that they are still in a phase when they are 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 which are needed to play organized sports. When children reach this age they are able to understand the sport better and require to rehearse to get a hang of the sport. The hits and misses while learning how to play can result in frustration along with an ensuing disinterest.
In addition, it is noted that some children are unwilling to play team sports because they are most often too competitive for the kids. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and centered on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining an optimistic environment helps to ensure that the kids remain motivated and interested.
At times kids are still undecided upon the sport of their choice. They might be more comfortable playing individual sports instead of team sports. It is advisable to let the child explore his / her interests and decide on their own. Self consciousness can also be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a very important part in this as smaller kids tend to feel more intimidated. It is very important so as to channelize the childs energies in the right direction and keep them from getting frustrated.
Some of the best sports to get kids involved with 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 particular sporting activity upon a young child is not going to help in developing the childs interest in the sport.
Once the child discovers his or her own interest, they will find their very own league. Infact, the emphasis needs to 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 result in long lasting benefits by helping your son or daughter develop his / her fascination with a sports activity that could last a lifetime.