Youth sports are a big part of families’ lives today. It’s difficult to know exactly how many children in the United States are actively involved in organized sports. An estimated that more than 21 million American kids participate in children’s sports on a regular basis. For kids, youth sports represent an opportunity to play a game they love while learning about themselves and their peers. Not only do they get some important exercise and help develop their growing bodies, they also learn valuable concepts such as teamwork. Also, sportsmanship and socialization will help their emotional and mental development.
Yet none of those benefits can be gained if your child doesn’t stick with his or her sport, which is why it’s crucial to choose the right sport for your child at the beginning. Trying to push a child into a sport that he or she is not ready for can lead to the child abandoning it. Choosing a sport that requires too much of a commitment from a time or financial perspective can mean you may have to pull your child out of it. To avoid these potential problems, refer to the accompanying guide. It can help you choose the right sport for your son or daughter so he or she gets the most out of the experience.
Choosing The Right Sport For Your Child – Answering these questions can help ensure that your child gets the maximum benefit from sports participation.
Does Your Child Like Any Sports More Than Others?
If your son shows an affinity for basketball, or if your daughter has expressed a desire to take up archery, for example, you at least have a starting point to find a sport your child will enjoy.
What Are Your Child’s Physical Traits?
Your child’s physical traits can help determine whether a sport is right for him or her. For example, taller children may excel at basketball, while children who are stockier may find they do better at football or wrestling.
How Old Is Your Child?
Certain sports are better fits for older children because they require more physical coordination, fine motor skills or teamwork. Sports that require complicated strategy such as football, for example, may not be a good fit for younger children.
What Is Your Child’s Personality?
Some kids respond better to pressure than others. Some kids like to be part of a team while others prefer to participate in solo activities. Make sure the sport you sign your child up for is suited for his or her personality.
Do You Have Time for the Sport?
Because many families have busy schedules, some sports with a higher-commitment level for practices and games might not make much sense for them. Some sports such as baseball and softball also sometimes require traveling to tournaments and road games.
How Much Does the Sport Cost?
Some sports such as tennis or basketball don’t require much in the way of equipment, whereas hockey and football need lots of equipment. Always keep your family’s budget in mind when looking into different youth sports.
Is Your Child Having Fun?
Perhaps most important: Make sure the sport your child chooses is one he or she has fun playing. Otherwise, the time, effort and money your family puts into it may all be for nothing once your child decides he or she no longer wants to participate.
