As most parents know, sports can be as essential to healthy development as music, art and academic pursuits. Children need activity to maintain healthy muscles and organs, as well as to fight against the rapidly growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Additionally, sports can also help children learn to work together and can develop leadership qualities. However, with school budget cuts affecting the presence and quality of gym classes, independent sports programs are the only options for most parents. Most communities feature dozens of youth athletic leagues, providing many possibilities for parents to consider. Deciding to get your child involved in sports is the easy part, however. Deciding which sports program to choose is the challenge.

When it comes to choosing an athletic program for your child, there are many factors to evaluate. For example, children of different ages will have different needs. While t-ball and soccer are popular sports for younger children, tennis or football might be more appropriate for older children. A child’s personality should also play a large factor in the sports in which you decide to get your children involved. Children who have many friends, enjoy inventing rules and games for the people around them or who have a hard time being alone are a better fit for a team sport. These sorts of personality traits are well-suited to sports like soccer or football where a coach can teach discipline and strategy while allowing children fully interact with their peers. Children who show more independent traits, such as favoring reading and writing over seeking out human interaction, may excel in more individualized sports such as swimming, tennis or running. These sports can allow children to focus on their own skills first as opposed to a more team-driven approach.

Once you have narrowed down options based on your child’s age and personality, research some programs. If your town only has a very small football league where children will be forced to practice more than play games, baseball or soccer might be better team activities to consider. Once you have narrowed down your options, be sure to give your child a choice. Children are often very empowered by the ability to make independent choices or even the illusion of being able to make decisions. Additionally, posing the question to your child will help him be more excited or enthusiastic about beginning a sports program. When you and your child have decided on a sport, be sure to purchase the proper safety equipment. If your child is starting soccer, make sure to buy well-fitting cleats and shin guards. Even if other parents do not feel safety equipment is essential, protecting your child should be a top priority.

Sports programs can provide many benefits to children, from team-building to cooperation to healthy activity. Getting your child involved in sports from an early age can benefit social and physical development. Before enrolling your child in a sports program, be sure to consider age-appropriate options, you child’s personality and your child’s preferences. With the right research and planning, your child can enjoy a lifelong relationship with fun and physical activity.

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com