subject: How To Get Your Children Involved In Sports [print this page] As you have probably heard in the news and across the internet, childhood obesity in the United States is rising dramatically. This has increased the incidences of Type II diabetes and other health complications linked to unhealthy body weight.
That is why it is more important than ever to get our young children involved in physical activities, especially sports. But the why and the how are not always understood by parents who want to keep their children in a healthy condition. So let me give you some pointers.
First off, as you already know, most sports require teamwork, which teaches your child cooperation and strategy, while also helping your son or daughter to make new friends and form strong bonds with many of their peers.
Training in sports also requires discipline and persistence, which will teach your offspring not to give up, despite challenges or setbacks. This is an important character trait to develop, especially as they face tough assignments in school. They will know to persevere, even when it feels like they're fighting a losing battle.
Often, a child will exhibit interest in a particular sports, usually based upon which ones their parents enjoy watching, what their older siblings are doing, or what their friends are already signed up for. When that's the case, all you need to do is investigate club teams or school tryouts in your area.
Some elementary institutions host sports classes, even for those not old enough to attend school. When I was young, the local school mailed out a catalog, per se, of the classes being offered during the summer. If the schools near you do this, then go over the options with your child to see what interests them.
Some children shy away from participation in physical activities because they fear getting hurt. This is a legitimate worry, as anyone young and old is susceptible to injury while exercising or playing sports.
It may be helpful to take your son or daughter to visit with the pediatrician for a full physical in order to ensure that they are in prime health for sports participation (free of asthma, at a healthy weight and in good cardiovascular condition).
You should also get a recommendation for a specialist in sports medicine. A qualified professional in sports medicine will be able to help even the youngest patients recover from the minor to the most severe injuries. That means you will know who to call in case of an emergency.
Depending upon your child's age, you might want to explain this precaution to them so they will feel more secure, knowing that they will automatically have someone to go to that will heal them in the event of a problem.
