The Benefits of Sports
Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. From
soccer to fencing, sports offer chances for kids to learn and
master skills, work with their peers and coaches, and challenge
themselves in a safe environment. They learn the value of practice
and the challenge of competition. And on top of all that, sports
provide natural and fun opportunities for kids to get regular
exercise.
But before signing kids up for sports, parents should consider a
child's personality and developmental level to help ensure that
being involved in sports is a positive experience for everyone.
When Should Kids Start Playing Sports?
As you think about signing kids up for sports, consider how
emotionally and physically ready they are to participate.
Signing up too early can end up being frustrating for everyone, and
can turn kids off from sports for good.
Although there are sports programs designed for preschoolers,
it's not until about age 6 or 7 that most kids develop the
appropriate physical skills or the attention span needed to listen
to directions and grasp the rules of the game. While preschoolers
can throw and run, it usually takes some time before they can
coordinate the two skills. And it usually isn't until
kindergarten or first grade that kids grasp concepts like
"taking turns" that are crucial to many sports.
That doesn't mean kids can't play sports when
they're younger. Sports can be fun for toddlers and
kindergartners, but they should be less about competition and more
about having fun opportunities to be active. So even if young
kids inadvertently score a goal for the other team or spend
the entire game chasing butterflies, as long as they're
enjoying it, that's OK.
If you do decide to sign your 5-year-old up for a team, be sure
to choose a league that emphasizes fun and basic skills.
Choosing the Right Sport
If kids show an interest in a sport, try to let them do it.
You may be worried that your child will get hurt, particularly in a
contact sport like football, but as long as the coach requires
players to use the correct safety gear, your doctor OK's it,
and your child is matched up with other kids of the same size and
ability, go ahead. Even if the sport doesn't turn out to be a
good fit, your child will learn much from the experience.
When choosing a sport, consider your child's unique
temperament. Some kids are naturally inclined toward team sports,
while others may feel more comfortable in activities where the
focus is on individual efforts. There's something for everyone
- from soccer and baseball for team-oriented kids, to tennis,
fencing, karate, dancing, and swimming for kids who'd rather go
solo.
Don't be surprised if it takes a few tries - or a few
seasons - to find the sport that's right for your child. It
often takes time for kids to figure out which activities they
enjoy.
Some kids may just not be interested in team sports, but they
can still keep fit by engaging in other activities that
don't emphasize competition. No matter what they choose, kids
should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.
Family Factors
Before you sign up for a season of sports, think about how
practices and games are going to affect the day-to-day life of your
child and the rest of the family:
- How will it affect how much time your child has for things
like homework, other activities, and time with friends and
family? You may want to get the schedule of practices and games
and map out a typical week on a calendar with your child.
- It's important for kids to have time to rest, think
creatively, and play freely when they're not engaged in
something else. This rest can help give them the energy they need
for their activities.
- How will the sport affect the rest of the family's plans?
Many teams only practice and play games during the weekend, which
can be a problem if your family likes weekend getaways.
- If you have more than one child playing sports, how will
you coordinate transportation to practices and games?
- How involved do you want to be in the sport, and how involved
does your child want you to be? Sports leagues usually look for
parents to volunteer with everything from coaching to team snacks
and transportation. Being involved - either as a coach or in
another role - can be a great way to spend time with your kids
and show them you're interested in what they do.
When Kids Want to Quit
However kids feel when they enroll for a season of sports,
there may come a time when they want to quit. If your child comes
to you with this plea, try to find the reason behind it. It may
have to do with something small and fixable, like a bad-fitting
uniform, or it may be a bigger issue, like how comfortable your
child feels with the coach or the kids on the team. It could also
be that your child just doesn't enjoy the sport.
Is it OK to let kids quit? If your child is on a team that
depends on his or her participation, you may want to explain
the importance of sticking it out for the season. If that's not
the case, then think about what you want your child to get out of
the experience, and how quitting would affect that.
When kids are overscheduled or unhappy, quitting may be the
right thing. But it's still important for all kids to be
physically active every day, even if they're no longer playing
an organized sport.
Before Signing Up
Kids should have a physical examination before beginning any
sports or fitness program. Those with certain medical conditions,
vision or hearing problems, or other disorders may have difficulty
playing some sports. Rarely, a doctor may find an undiagnosed
condition that can affect participation.
Although you should share your interests with your kids,
it's never a good idea to force them into an activity just
because you once excelled in it. And once they choose a sport,
be sure to head out to the field, gym, or pool to cheer them
on.
These are general guidelines to keep in mind. Kids
mature at their own pace and develop their
unique skills at different times, so consider your child's
emotional and physical maturity before you commit to a season of
sports. There's no point in forcing sports on kids of if
they're not having fun.
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: November 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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