We are all well aware that our kids need to participate in exercise for the sake of their physical wellbeing. Regular and thorough exercise can help to ensure that they are always in good shape, have good stamina levels, and avoid obesity. However, it’s important to bear in mind that sport can have more benefits that physical benefits alone. It can help them to become more social and communicate well with others too! Here are just a few alternative benefits that can come hand in hand with getting your kids involved in sports!
Communication
One of the most valuable skills that our children can learn is effective communication. Team sports offer the perfect opportunity for your little ones to learn to communicate with their peers in an appropriate and functional manner. In order for a team to succeed in their given sport, all members have to come up with strategies, figure out game plans together, and sacrifice personal ego for the sake of the majority. You’ll find kids in youth basketball uniforms, soccer uniforms, and other team kits have a much better understanding of one another, and will listen to each other more thoroughly than children who aren’t well socialized. These communicative skills can be transferred to other areas of their lives, such as at home and in school. My son will be starting basketball this winter, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him develop his skills and abilities.
Competition
Instilling a competitive edge into little ones is an area of contention amongst many parents. After all, for some children to “win”, others have to “lose”, and this can prove upsetting. But winning and losing are facts of life, and as long as children are taught to be humble and avoid gloating, competition can be positive all round. To win in sports, kids have to show commitment and perseverance. They need to work on their skills, improve their craft, and work hard in order to shine. They can then be rewarded for this positive behaviour!
Passion
Kids should be given the opportunity to find something that inspires them and that they are dedicated to. Some kids will enjoy art, some will thrive when reading books. For some kids, sport will become their ultimate passion. Not only does this give them something to look forward to, but it gives them something to talk about, a topic to make friends over, and something to draw enjoyment from.
These are just a few of the many potential benefits that come hand in hand with getting your kids involved in sport. So, find out what they might be interested in and find local classes or teams for them to join today!
