If your son or daughter spends too much time at home with a glazed look in their eye and the glow from a tablet or smartphone in their face, you might want to consider signing them up for sports! Even with COVID-19 restrictions, sports leagues are finding ways to keep youth active while observing safety precautions. Getting your child off the couch and active will not only bring them immediate physical and mental health benefits, but it will have a positive effect on them for the rest of their lives. Granted, getting kiddos off the couch is not always easy!! Here are five ways playing sports will benefit your child:
1. Academics
Numerous studies have shown that kids in sports do better in school. School policies that have grade requirements for sports participation teach students that they need to take their education seriously, in order to continue playing. Additionally, the lessons they learn in sports help them cultivate the tenacity needed to not only compete physically but to excel in their studies, as well. Kids in school sports are also less likely to drop out of school and are more likely to attend college.
2. Confidence, Character & Resilience
When your child participates in sports, they’ll learn the value of their strong effort and hard work hard work. Yes, they will gain confidence when their team wins, but they also will build character as they inevitably experience a defeat. Learning to bounce back and take a loss in stride is a critical skill to learn early in life, and one that will shape their resilience, as they experience the inevitable ups and downs of life.
3. Social Skills
As your child interacts with their coaches, parents and other students, they will develop atronger communication and social skills. They’ll learn how to communicate their needs, contribute ideas, as well as listen and follow instruction. It teaches kids to wait their turn, to share, and to value serving the team/others first before themselves. As they work with others, they’ll learn how to set and achieve personal and team goals, a vital skill that will benefit them throughout adulthood.
4. Fitness
Research has found a strong link between youth who overuse screen time (video games, smartphones, tablets, social media, etc) with childhood obsesity, anxiety, depression, as well as increasing their risk and vulnerability for unhealthy habits. Regular participation in sports activities will improve your child’s weight and body mass, while they reap the many benefits of physical activity such as improved sleep, mood, and brain function. They’re also less likely to participate in unhealthy or risky behaviors.
5. Lifelong Memories
Students that participate in sports spend a great deal of time together, during school and outside of school. They will have many unique and fun experiences with a close group of people, creating bonds that last them a lifetime.
Still Not Sure About Sports During a Pandemic?
No problem! Use this time to be active with your kids and encourage them to be active! Play catch, go for a walk (or run!) together, encourage tree climbing, shoot hoops together, play some wiffle ball, toss the football or frisbee. Start preparing your kiddo to try a sport once you feel it is more safe to do so.
Participating in sports is an activity that will benefit your child mentally, emotionally and physically, leaving a lasting and positive lifelong impact. If your child is stuck and reluctant to get involved in something active or struggling with how to create and reach goals, please call me for a Free 15 Minute Strategy Session!