Kids these days are getting increasingly hooked to computer games and PSPs plus the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There is a constant deviation from physical exercises 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 possibilities to get their children interested in some sports activity.
Research has shown that playing a selected sport has several other benefits for the kids in addition besides the usual health and fitness benefits. Not only do sports keep kids active, it helps them concentrate better, improves their social skills and helps them learn and employ sportsmanship. However, to be able to develop a childs interest in a particular sport it truly 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’s also essential that we first understand the reason behind their dislike for sports.
Sports is usually a turn-off for kids for a large number of reasons. One of the biggest factors that keeps kids from taking up a particular sport is that they’re still at a phase when they are developing their basic skills.
Children below six to seven years of age have shorter attention spans and do not have the ability to grasp the intricacies of the rules that are required 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 has been noted that some children are unwilling to play team sports because they seem to be too competitive for the kids. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and centered on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining a positive environment ensures that the kids remain motivated and interested.
Occasionally children are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They could be more comfortable playing individual sports instead of 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’s 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, horse riding, skating and soccer amongst individual sports. Parents must realize that imposing a particular sporting activity upon a child certainly won’t aid in developing the childs interest in the game.
As soon as the child discovers his or her own interest, they are going to find their own league. Infact, the emphasis needs to be on kids getting enough physical exercise in the form of any exercise, whether it is sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can result in long term benefits by helping your child develop his / her interest in a sport that could last a lifetime.