As adults we understand the need for staying physically active as we age. Not only does it keep our bodies remain healthy and function optimally, it helps prevent cognitive decline later in life.
In a similar way, physical activity has an immense impact on children’s physical health as well as the development of their psychological health.
Engaging actively in sporting activities, apart from the impact in these areas of growth improves social skills in the process.
What specific benefits can come from sports?
Please note that parents wish to encourage children to engage in sports to help them feel valued. Every child can be successful at one sport or another. However, it takes time for parents to find the sport suitable for the child. Therefore, they should be patient in selecting the sports, since it is a process that will pay off in the long run.
No other thing in life affords children such opportunity to develop positive character traits and to soak up many quality values as sports does. Here are some ways sports help in the development of children;
- Kids’ character and moral principles are formed through fair play. Moreover, children who are actively engaged in sports can be good role models for their peers from school or neighborhood, and inspire them to start playing some sports as well.
- Playing sports enables them to create friendships they otherwise might not have formed. For example, the friendships professional athletes create on the field remain intact even when they are not playing sports, and often last a lifetime.
- Sports bring people together from all over the world, regardless of their nationality, religion, culture, or skin color. It preaches tolerance.
- Teamwork and benefits of social interaction among children are best seen in sports. Kids learn they are part of a team that requires the same effort from all members to succeed, as well as how to win with class, and lose with dignity.
- They view competitions on and off the field as opportunities to learn from their success and failure. In addition, losing often motivates kids to work even harder for next time.
- Through sports, they learn to respect authority, rules, team colleagues and opponents.
- Sport is an important learning environment for children as it helps in building positive self- esteem.
- In addition, participating in sports can be a helpful way of reducing stress and increasing feelings of physical and mental well-being, as well as fighting against juvenile delinquency, conflict and aggressive outbursts. The point is to keep the body in good health in order to be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
When children learn positive life lessons through sports, there is no doubt they will become honest, reliable adults who will try to help others in need at any moment.
So, rather than have them stay indoors all day watching cartoons and playing games, invest in their active future by sending them to the garden to let them sweat it out. When the impact of the current realities have drastically reduced, get them engaged in an ectivity they love and is considered safe for them.
What is your childhood sporting experience? Please share your story with us in the comment section.