News about creating kids interest in sports
Kids nowadays are becoming increasingly hooked to video games and PSPs and the television simply adds to the woes of the parents. There’s a constant deviation from physical exercises among the kids leaving parents worried. As news about obesity amongst kids rises as among the biggest plagues to haunt children, parents look out for ways and possibilities to get their children interested in some sports activity.
Research has shown that playing a particular sport has several other benefits for the kids as well besides the usual health benefits. Not only do sports keep kids active, it can help them concentrate better, improves their social skills and helps them learn and practice sportsmanship. However, to be able to establish a childs interest in a particular sport it is imperative that you first analyzes the youngsters age, size, ability, general interest and skills. Not all children are natural athletes and it is crucial that we first understand the reason behind their dislike for sports.
Sports can be a turn-off for kids for a large number of reasons. One of the primary factors that keeps kids from taking up a specific sport is that they’re still in a phase when they are developing their basic skills.
Children below six to seven years of age have shorter attention spans and don’t have the capacity to understand the intricacies of the rules that are required to play organized sports. When children reach this age they are able to grasp the sport better and need to practice in order to get a hang of the game. The hits and misses while learning how to play can lead to frustration and an ensuing disinterest.
In addition, it is noted that some kids are reluctant to play team sports as they seem to be too competitive for the kids. Sports such as football, baseball are rigorous and focused on winning which can unnerve them. Maintaining a positive environment ensures that the children remain motivated and interested.
Occasionally kids are still undecided upon the game of their choice. They could be more comfortable playing individual sports rather than team sports. It is advisable to let the child explore his or her interests and decide on his own. Self consciousness can certainly be another very significant deterrent. Physical attributes play a critical part in this as smaller kids are likely to feel more intimidated. It’s very important so as to channelize the childs energies in the right direction and keep them from getting frustrated.
Some of the best sports to get kids involved with are basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey and soccer amongst team sports and gymnastics, horseback riding, skating and soccer amongst individual sports. Parents must understand that imposing a specific sporting activity upon a young child is not going to help in developing the childs affinity for the sport.
Once the child discovers his or her own interest, they are going to find their very own league. Infact, the emphasis should be on kids getting enough physical exercise in the form of any exercise, be it sports or free play. This initial patience when exercised can result in long term benefits by helping your child develop his / her interest in a sport that could last a lifetime.