As our little ones begin to grow and develop mentally and physically, we will see the need for a little outside influence to enhance their learning, increase their social skills, teach them camaraderie, and involve them in active play with others. Team sports is a great way to accomplish that. From T-ball to soccer, even to Ballet, getting your child involved in a team sport or a physical activity like dance or gymnastics is a great way to channel all that energy, especially as they grow older. According to the Public School Review, here are some very good reasons to get your child into some sort of team sport:
- According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, teenagers who participated in team sports were less likely to smoke, do drugs, have sex, and carry weapons than those who did not.
- Being part of a sports team teaches your child how to work with others toward a common goal – it takes the combined effort of the whole team to win a game.
- Participating in sports can give children and young adults a sense of belonging. This is especially important during middle school and high school where cliques can form quickly, leaving children who are less socially gifted on the margins.
- The results of several research studies show that children who participate in sports are happier than those who do not.
- Playing a sport has a positive impact on the child’s health and his assessment of his health. One study showed that middle school boys who did not play team sports were five times more likely to identify themselves being in fair or poor health than those who did – girls were thirty times more likely.
- Being part of a sports team encourages a child to learn discipline and to develop a sense of commitment. It is a great way for children to learn that practice is the best way to improve performance.
- Playing a sport as a child may equate to better employment opportunities in the future. A study conducted by a professor of behavior science at Cornell University revealed that kids who play sports in high school make better employees than those who do not. Regardless of whether the potential employer was an athlete or not, child athletes are looked upon more favorably in interviews.
These are just a few of the many reasons that you should encourage your child to play sports. Each child’s experience will be different but the potential benefits are significant enough that they should not be ignored.
Finally, team sports can sometimes be stressful for families and certain individuals, so always remember to keep your family’s overall health and well being as a priority. Be involved, stay connected to your child’s involvement and performance. Work to maintain a balance in the home so to provide a well-rounded environment of love, acceptance, and family activities.