For some children, playing sports is more of a chore than an enjoyable activity that contributes to their physical and mental well-being. Physical exercise is incredibly important for growing children. It also helps them learn hand-eye coordination and teaches them to be a team player. Some children love sports from the very beginning, but what can you do if your children do not show any interest or motivation? Here are some ways you can encourage young children to play a variety of sports.
Don’t obsess over the results
The worst part for your child may be that he is too focused on sports and winning or showing off than playing something fun. As a parent, he should encourage his children’s efforts and not encourage them to just play competitively. It has to be an experience that they want to participate in over and over again every day, otherwise it’s more work than entertainment.
Children want to have fun. They don’t want to be measured or evaluated, and they need to learn that playing sports is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Playing with your children will help motivate them because they will spend time with you and not be judged or watched from the sidelines.
Let them choose the sport
Often parents will have an idea about what kind of person their child should be when they grow up. This can demotivate them even more. Let them pick a sport, even if it’s not what you envisioned. Children need to understand that they have the right to make decisions for themselves, and allowing them to choose the sport will help them feel involved.
Whether it’s tennis, soccer or swimming, there is an activity that your children enjoy. They are, after all, growing little kids who have a lot of energy they need to burn off, and sport is the way to go. No matter the sport, make sure they have the necessary equipment to play it correctly. For example, baseball bats and gloves should be specific to your child’s height and the hand he plays with. You can learn more about choosing a bat size with this guide.
create new games
There may not be any physical sport that your children enjoy. Still, this doesn’t mean you can’t create a whole new sport that they love. They will enjoy not only joining in the fun of creating a unique sport, but they will also feel more encouraged to play it. Monitor your children’s behavior and identify certain activities that they frequently engage in. Do they like to throw a ball as high as they can or do they climb trees regularly? Get creative and turn that activity into a sport or minigame with a scoreboard and rules that the kids make up themselves.
These consistent activities can even enlighten you about the type of sport they would enjoy. Perhaps climbing rocks instead of trees could be your kids’ favorite sport, they just haven’t learned it yet.
Keep the fun factor on
Children will only participate in something that is fun and they can enjoy. The more children like something, the more they want it. It just takes the right perspective and mindset to get your kids excited about playing sports. As long as the activity gives them the feeling of joy and entertainment, they will continue to participate.
Change up the sport from time to time and let your friends join in. This will encourage teamwork and positive competition.
Always ask your children what they want and never assume you know what they like. Getting kids into sports can be hard, but if you approach it the right way, you can make them think it was your idea in the first place.
Also read: features of learning programs for children
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Source: vtt.edu.vn