News about creating kids interest in sports
Kids nowadays are becoming increasingly hooked to video games and PSPs and the television simply adds on to the woes of the parents. There’s a constant deviation from physical exercises among the kids leaving parents worried. As news about obesity amongst kids rises as among the biggest plagues to haunt children, parents look out for ways and possibilities to get their children interested in some sports activity.
Research has shown that playing a particular sport has a number of other benefits for kids as well apart from 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 practice sportsmanship. However, in order to develop a childs involvement in a specific 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 crucial that we first understand the cause of their dislike for sports.
Sports can be a turn-off for children for a large number of reasons. One of the biggest factors that keeps kids from trying out 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 capacity to understand the intricacies of the rules which 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 understanding how to play can lead to frustration and an ensuing disinterest.
It also is noted that some children are reluctant to play team sports because they are most often too competitive for the kids. Sports including football, baseball are rigorous and focused on winning which could unnerve them. Maintaining an optimistic environment helps to ensure that the kids remain motivated and interested.
At times kids are still undecided upon the sport of their choice. They could be more comfortable playing individual sports instead of team sports. It is best to let the child explore his or her interests and decide on his own. Self consciousness can also be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a critical part in this as smaller kids tend to feel more intimidated. It’s very important to be able 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 realize that imposing a specific sporting activity upon a young child certainly won’t help 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 needs to be on kids getting enough physical activity in the form of any exercise, whether it is sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can result in long lasting benefits by helping your child develop his or her fascination with a sports activity that will last a lifetime.