News about creating kids interest in sports
Kids these days are becoming increasingly hooked to computer games and PSPs plus the television simply adds on to the woes of the parents. There’s a constant deviation from physical activities 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 opportunities to get their children involved in some sports activity.
Studies show that playing a selected sport has several other benefits for kids as well besides the usual health benefits. Not only do sports keep kids active, it helps them concentrate better, improves their social skills and helps them learn and practice sportsmanship. However, in order to develop a childs interest in a specific sport it is imperative that you first analyzes the youngsters age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Not all children are natural athletes and it is crucial 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 biggest factors that keeps kids from trying out a specific sport is that they’re still at a phase when they’re developing their basic skills.
Children below six to seven years of age have shorter attention spans and don’t have the capacity 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 result in frustration and an ensuing disinterest.
It also has been noted that some children are reluctant to play team sports because they are most often too competitive for them. 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.
At times children are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They could 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 certainly be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a very important part in this as smaller kids tend 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.
Among the best sports to get kids involved in are basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey and soccer amongst team sports and gymnastics, horse riding, skating and soccer amongst individual sports. Parents must understand that imposing a specific sporting activity upon a child certainly won’t aid in developing the childs interest in the sport.
As soon as the child discovers his or her own interest, they will find their very own league. Infact, the emphasis should be on kids getting enough physical exercise by means of any exercise, whether it is sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can result in long term benefits by helping your son or daughter develop his or her fascination with a sport that could last a lifetime.