Monday, September 3, 2018

How Sports Can Impact Your Child's Life


Some children want to start playing sports at a fairly young age. They either get interested when watching a sporting event on the television or from tossing a ball around with dad. Playing sports at any age has a huge impact that can change their trajectory in life. Today we are looking at all the types of sports available, how you can support them, and the lessons they learn.

The Variety of Options
If your child just wants to expel a lot of energy, you may be wondering what the best sport is to put your child in. Here are a few examples:
  • Softball/baseball – these games are similar with a few slight differences. Softball is slower pitching, bigger ball, and smaller diamond. This is not a full contact sport but accidents can still happen!
  • Football – a full-contact sport, even at a young age. Getting hurt gets more serious as the children age and become stronger and bigger. While popular among young boys, girls are often welcomed with open arms.
  • Soccer – not an intentional full-contact sport. You don’t tackle anyone like you would in football but since feet are the primary use, it is very likely one will get hurt while playing.
  • Bowling – may not seem like a sport but it very much is. No contact and a great skill builder.
Get Them the Gear They Need
Supporting them isn’t just signing them up and letting them have at it. You got to make sure they have everything they need. That may be custom softball socks, helmet, shin guards, or wrist guards. Ask your league coach for advice on what your child needs and brands they may recommend. Getting a coach recommendation will help you navigate the crazy world of sporting goods. Don’t forget the water bottles, extra snacks for practices and games, and ride arrangements for those days when you can’t take them.

Be There!
Aside from everything, be there and be their personal cheerleader. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first day of tryouts, the first football scrimmage, their first game as goalie, or the last bowling match, being there is the best thing you can do for your child and their self-esteem. It also allows you to get excited for your child and see that they are safe and learning great stuff.

They Learn More in Sports Than on the iPad
The lessons that a child learns by playing in a youth league are almost innumerable. Their social skills improve because they form bonds with their teammates and feel more confident stepping out into the world knowing they are a part of something other than the family unit. They learn how to work together and most importantly, good sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship can be difficult when winning becomes the center of everything, but children enjoy supporting and cheering their teammates on and rely on their understanding that those same people will support them in return. When they see their family in the stands cheering them on, they learn that they do matter and are important to others that they love and adore.

There are also physical health lessons that come into play in youth sports. They learn more about what their body can and cannot do. They feel strong as they grow and build muscle. They learn more about healthy nutrition in order to stay in the best shape for their chosen sport.
Team youth sports is a wonderful activity for all children to engage in, no matter their skill level. We advise you do check with your child’s doctor to be sure they are physically ready for their new hobby. We suggest you get a new calendar so that you can manage all the practices, games, and slumber parties with new friends.

20 comments:

  1. My oldest son plays basketball. He does a town church league and is hoping to make the JV team at the high school this year. My youngest does gymnastics.

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  2. Sports certainly keep the kids busy and the parents as well. Important to have all the correct clothing and protective pads for sure.

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  3. My kids always played sports and we loved attending their games and cheering for them too. I agree, it definitely helps them build character.

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  4. My son hates sports, so he doesn't play any and I won't force him.

    However, my daughter has played several. Right now she's in middle school and isn't, but that could change! I just let my kids figure out what they want to do.

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  5. This is the first year we've had an opportunity to do any kind of sports. I can't wait to see All the games and hang out with other game Parents.

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  6. We are definitely going to make sure our future son plays sports. I think it builds a lot of character.

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  7. It's definitely healthy in so many ways to help kids learn to love playing sports. There's definitely so many options that almost everyone can find something that will be good for them.

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  8. I think all kids should try at least one sport in their life! I think sports are so good for kids in teaching them life lessons...sharing, never giving up, teamwork, etc.

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  9. I love all of your tips and the information that you've provided. This reminds me that I have to get a planner for the kiddos games.

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  10. Both of my kids are on the swim team, and it's so great for them to be active. They have goals and it gets them up and moving. I agree with all your tips as well - we are very involved in our kid's sports, from running the timers at competitions to helping fundraise.

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  11. My son just never connected with sports. He played little league baseball for a few years, but he never loved it. I couldn't force him to keep playing, and he's quite happy with his academics.

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  12. I felt like sports were such a positive thing for me. I have a hard time getting my son involved though. He is just not going for it.

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  13. I am positive sports can have a positive impact as long as parent pressure is off. That is what I think hurts the whole program.

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  14. I think sports are great for those kids who want to play them. They certainly can teach them a lot. My girls are not in any sports yet, but I'm hoping they'll want to be someday.

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  15. I just love watching kids wearing their sports uniform. Your son's first pic seems like he is already a Pro. You did a great job sis making them busy with sports.

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  16. My girls don't play sports, but they dance. There is such a great sense of family and I love that their teammates and their families have become close to us as well.

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  17. My kids are all about sports now that school has started again! These are some great tips!

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  18. Sports should be a part of every child's life. I have such fond memory of playing softball and taking dance and gymnastics classes. What great memories!

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  19. Playing team sports is so important for children. We just registered our youngest for t-ball and I'm ridiculously excited about it. I hope she loves it! Our oldest is just nine years old and on a competitive rock climbing team. She enjoys it and is very committed to the sport so even though my husband and I are not climbers, we fully support her interest.

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  20. bumisita uli sa iyo..salamat sa pagiging bahagi ng blog ko sa 10 years...celebrating 10 years, Written Feelings....

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It's always a pleasure to read what you have to say! Thank you!

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