Kids nowadays are becoming increasingly hooked to computer games and PSPs and the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There's a constant deviation from physical activities 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.
Studies show that playing a selected sport has a number of other benefits for 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 employ sportsmanship. However, to be able to establish a childs involvement in a specific sport it truly is imperative that one first analyzes the kids age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Not all kids are natural athletes and it is essential that we first be aware of the reason behind their dislike for sports.
Sports can be a turn-off for kids for a large number of reasons. One of the primary factors that keeps kids from taking up a specific sport is that they're still in 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 capacity to grasp the intricacies of the rules which are required to play organized sports. When children reach this age they are able to grasp the sport better and require to practice to get a hang of the game. The hits and misses while understanding how to play can lead to frustration and 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 them. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and focused on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining a positive environment ensures that the children remain motivated and interested.
At times kids are still undecided upon the sport of their choice. They might be more comfortable playing individual sports rather than team sports. It is advisable to let the child explore his or her interests and choose his own. Self consciousness can also be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a critical part in this as smaller kids are likely 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 for getting 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 realize that imposing a specific sporting activity upon a young child certainly won't aid in developing the childs affinity for the game.
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 term benefits by helping your child develop his / her fascination with a sport that could last a lifetime.