Sports are a great way to get your children outside and away from the TV. Regular participation will keep them fit and healthy.
Today’s fast pace, high pressured and stressful lifestyle has caused a number of adults and children to become obese, lazy and afraid to try anything new. One of the worst fears for any parent is having an active, imaginative and happy child, trapped in a fat, round and heavy body. Getting your child off the couch and away from the TV and getting rid of the oversized bag of crisps should be any parent’s number one priority.
Granted, we all love to see an infant that has chubby arms and legs with a double chin to boot. However, fat children lose this adorable factor and will struggle with their weight for the rest of their lives, if this problem is not properly seen to. Being over weight is not only bad for the body; it is also bad for your child’s self-esteem.
Children should be outside enjoying all the world has to offer, not stuck up in their room, with the TV blaring and chocolate smudges all over their faces and multiple chins. The body is an instrument that needs to be appreciated, exercised and used effectively.
Sports should be a part of any healthy child’s life as it offers a variety of different life lessons and benefits. Sporting activities are important and should be a part of your child’s life for a number of different reasons. Read on to see just why getting your child involved in sport is so important.
The Importance of Playing Sport
- Taking part in sporting activities, says a lot about a person’s character. Sporting activities teach children important life lessons that have a long lasting and positive effect. Becoming involved in sports, teaches children the importance of being a part of a team. Team sports allow your child to feel important, needed and part of something that is bigger than just themselves. Children are also given the opportunity to learn about taking turns, playing fair and following the rules.
- Children, who take part in a variety of different sports and games, are generally more confident and willing to try and experience new things. They are adventurous, outgoing and usually have a lot of friends. A sports field offers the perfect platform for your child to make life long friends, with other children who have the similar interests.
- Children can become very passionate about their sport, position and team. In most cases, your child’s passion for their chosen sport never disappears and they will always enjoy taking part in this activity. If you get your children to start playing sport at a young age, they will always have something to look forward to, something they enjoy, something they are good at and something they can succeed in. Your child’s favourite sport is also beneficial in that it is something that is just theirs and that they can do it without their parents and families. It is believed that if your child is involved in sport, they are less likely to take part in dangerous, mischievous and risky behaviour.
- The most important reason for why children should remain active is that a healthy body means a healthy mind. Frequent exercise has been known to promote concentration, enhance memory and improve learning and understanding. Playing sports keeps your body trim, fit and healthy; it is a great way to keep all the unwanted weight off of our children’s bodies, as well as keeping them off the couch and enjoying the fresh air. Cardio vascular exercise is good for the heart, muscles and general development of the body.
- If your child plays a specific sport or is part of a team, it will give them the opportunity to set goals and strive to reach them. Sporting activities also allows your children to push their own limits and try to reach their full potential. Being a sportsperson allows you the opportunity to get to know yourself better. Your child will also learn how to cope with failures, disappointments and frustrations.
What Parent’s Need to Know
It is important that you try and get involved in your child’s sporting career. Your children will appreciate your support and they will probably want you are every game. Encourage you children to never give up and keep practicing, striving and improving their skills.
Practice makes perfect, ensure that your child doesn’t get disheartened and that they accept that it is their responsibility not to let their team down. It is ok to lose or come second, the score doesn’t matter; it is how you played the game. Parents need to be prepared and ready for hours of practice, training and dedication. Get your child committed to being the best sportsperson he/she can be.
Sporting equipment and fees can become expensive. Ask around at your child’s school and see what sporting activities they offer. Some sports require protective gear; ensure that your child is having fun but that they are safe at all times. You can also ensure your child’s safety by teaching them the rules before they get started. Knowing the rules will give your child a clear understanding of what to expect and what is expected from them.
Teach your child about limits, assure them that they might not be the best right now, but with practice, participation and dedication they can be the best. Winning isn’t everything, it is more important that they had fun and enjoyed themselves.
Ensure that your child is safe, that he/she has enough water and that they stay hydrated. Also ensure that they have adequate protection from the sun and other harsh weather conditions.
Ensure that your children are taking part in a sport that is age appropriate in terms of difficulty, strain on muscles and bones and required dedication. Young children should never play a sport that will negatively affect their developing bones and muscles. Dedication is a very important trait to learn, but it is no good getting your young child involved in sporting activities that are so demanding of their time, that they miss out on a big portion of their childhood. Sports should be a part of their lives, not their entire lives.
Final Score, Full Time
Learning to appreciate your body and its need for activity should be taught from a very young age. Getting your children involved in sports is good for their bodies and minds. Playing sports helps to build character, form interests and lasting friendships. Help your child become a better person by getting them involved in sports and other activities. If your child is severely over weight, talk to your doctor about what sport he/she should take part in and what sport he/she should avoid. If your child has asthma, they might be advised to avoid certain sports. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
