Information about creating kids interest in sports
Kids these days are getting 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 exercises among the kids leaving parents worried. As news about obesity amongst kids rises as one of 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 several other benefits for the kids in addition 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 practice sportsmanship. However, in order to establish 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 kids are natural athletes and it is crucial that we first understand the cause of their dislike for sports.
Sports can be a turn-off for children for a multitude of reasons. One of the primary factors that keeps kids from taking up 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 ability to understand the intricacies of the rules which are required to play organized sports. When children reach this age they can grasp the sport better and need to practice in order to get a hang of the sport. 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 reluctant to play team sports because they seem to be too competitive for them. Sports including football, baseball are rigorous and centered on winning which could unnerve them. Maintaining an optimistic environment ensures that the kids remain motivated and interested.
Occasionally children are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They could be more at ease playing individual sports instead of team sports. It is advisable to let the child explore his or her interests and decide on their own. Self consciousness can also be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a very important 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.
Among the best sports for getting 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 particular sporting activity upon a 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 by means of any exercise, be it sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can lead to long term benefits by helping your child develop his / her fascination with a sport that will last a lifetime.