Signing your kid up for an athletic sport is one of the surest ways to keep them off the couch. Also by participating in sports it helps kids excel in school and gives them a boost in their self esteem. Plus it provides them with a better understanding of discipline, fair play, and teamwork. That is if you have found the right sport for you kid. A child who may not be successful in a competitive sport may thrive in martial arts. More important how do these sport activities affect the soccer mom or the family chauffeur? Here is a list on which sport is the best choice for your young athlete and possibly less of a headache for your kid’s biggest fan, yourself.
Soccer is a true team sport. Relinquish the ball when appropriate is a key to success, so kids learn the value of cooperation. Because the players never stop moving, they get an intense workout. Girls who make up nearly half of the more than 3million youth soccer players in the United States are just as likely to be stars as boys. This sport is best for kids with speed and energy to burn, as well as those who have concerns of being placed on individual performance.
Baseball and softball adds values to kid’s youthful life. We remind kids that even the best hitters of all time strike out seven or more times within the season. Baseball teaches kids a great lesson in perseverance. This sport is excellent for most kid, and it is a good choice for a child who likes being around people and who’s got a competitive edge.
Basketball is a team sport that can also be played alone. An enthusiastic player can practice shooting hoops anytime. Since the action never stops, B-ball or junior ball may provide and excellent aerobic workouts and improve agility. Basketball is great sport for promoting high energy and physical endurance. This sport is not just for tall kids. Smaller, lighter kids may be quicker, more agile and at times more coordinated.
Swimming, besides being a lifelong sport and a skill that could save your child’s live, is an excellent form of exercise. It works almost every muscle group in your child’s body and provides a thorough cardiovascular workout with minimum impact or stress. Kids with discipline, determination and focus may thrive in this sport. To be successful in swimming, you have to be able to set long-term goals and work toward them.
Gymnastics develops motor skills and builds strength. Enhanced self-esteem is a common result from this sport. Also, kids feel challenged and successful whether they are learning how to do a forward roll or a back handspring. Gymnastics is a great sport for kids of all body types who enjoy tumbling, bouncing, and swinging. This is an individual sport and even those who are not natural athletes can work at their own pace and find success.
Martial arts are the best sport for a child to develop self-discipline and life’s values. Whether your child is learning aikido, judo, Taekwondo, karate, or any other martial method, your child will boost their balance, control, coordination, flexibility, strength and speed. The emphasis on strong focus, courtesy, respect, and strict self-discipline gives children a psychological edge and helps build character. Working toward the next belt motivates them to set goals. The self-defense skills they will learn will promote confidence and help ward off bullies.
Within most aspects of parenting, being actively involved and talking with your children about their choice of sport and participation is very important. Being proud of accomplishments, sharing in wins and defeats, and talking to them helps them develop skills for success in life. The lessons learned during kid’s sports will shape values and behaviors in a positive way for a productive adult life.
