If your child enjoys doing sports, they’ll gain confidence. But you should also be aware that highly competitive sports can demoralise kids; so start with something they enjoy.
Children gain social and communication skills through team sports. Sometimes it’s easier to get a group of excited friends together to play rounders in the park than into a formal club.
Here are 4 quick tips on getting kids into sports:
Do sports together. You, the parent, set the tone for your child’s view of sports as fun. Because a child learns what is normal by watching how you act, you can teach them the importance of sports by doing fun sports with them. For example, teach them how to ride a bike, and then take it a step further by going on bike rides with them.
Keep It Fun. No one likes having to do something for the sake of it, so try not to put too much pressure on them. Instead, keep things light and try to find the funny side of everything. A child won’t want to learn proper technique if they don’t like the game, so make sure you’re having fun first and foremost.
Change it up. Too-long activities bore kids. Alternate activities every few minutes to keep your child entertained. If they’re lagging or bored, switch to something else.
Create mini-games. Try to think of something original that the two of you can do together as a minigame. It may be playing catch on the trampoline, seeing how high you can count when they throw the ball or creating a football assault course for t you both to complete. This keeps thigs light hearted, gets them involved and ensures enjoyment as the first priority.
