Choosing the right sport for your child
When is the right time to get your children involved team sport? More importantly, how do you decide which sport is most suitable?
There's no doubt that sport is a great way to help combat childhood obesity in this country and as a result, more and more mums are enrolling their children in sport as early as possible. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, organised sports are beneficial only when your child is ready to participate, keeping in mind your child’s age and motor skills are important factors to consider.
What age is best for my child to start sport?
Parents are beginning to start their kids in organised sports at earlier ages, but the younger your child is, the more risks associated with his participation in organised sports. According to experts, organised sports are suitable for kids who are ready for the demands and expectations that come along with structured sports. If the demands exceed your child’s level of maturity, participation in organised sports can actually be harmful.
In their 2007 policy on organised sports and children, the AAP cites concern for organised sports programs tailored towards preadolescents.
A child must have both the mentaland physical abilities neede to participate in organised sports. They must be ready to learn and understand the rules of the game as well as have the physical ability to kick, throw, or hit a ball. Expecting a child to develop these skills before they're ready can lead to feelings of failure and frustration.
Many parents expect that a coach will be able to determine their child’s ability and teach the child appropriately. However, most coaches are community volunteers without child development training and are not qualified to make that determination.
Even when a coach is appropriately credentialed to teach youth sports, that doesn’t mean your child will necessarily benefit. Children who are too young to learn organised sports won’t develop the motor skills they need to participate just because they are exposed to them earlier.
So how can I tell they're ready?
The best exercise for kids is an exercise that they feel is fun. When it comes to organised sports and children, the best activity for your child will be one that they chooses for themselves. Parents can help their children determine which sports they enjoy by exploring a variety of sport activities together.
Spend time trying different recreational and sports activities with your child. Don’t limit exposure to just one sport you wish your child would try: allow them to have lots of different experiences. Make this play time fun and encourage them to try a range of activites with you.
Watch your child during this family play time and evaluate if they've got the motor skills needed to participate in the game and whether or not they can understand how the game is played.
If your child is keen to try one particular sport, check out the programs available in your area. In short, keep in mind that sport should be fun and not stressful. So get your kids involved when they're ready and enjoy!
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Kids must do sport, hear you on the right age to starts, but outside of the obesity benefits they gradually master social skills - essential stuff . Schools and society overlook the importance of mastering such skills through sport.
It is easy to tell the children that have never played sports. They are socially awkward, for the most part. Kids also learn boundaries, placing the team before self. It is an excellent way to keep a child fit and learn to balance school (work) and play. This is a skill that many adults have never mastered. Still, as a developmental pediatric therapist, I agree that they should become involved when they show interest, and not because a parent wants them to be a professional athlete. Statistically, less than 1 % of all children will grow up to achieve such a level. Play, have fun, and stay fit.