If there is one practice that everyone should enjoy is being physically active. In this world of modern technology when almost anything can be done in a push of a button and almost everything is just a click away, many people tend to have lesser physical activities. These can lead to many emotional and physical disorders that may appear later in life.
And the best time to teach a person to be physically active is when they are still young. There are names of sports that little kids might play. Engaging them in different physical activities is a jump start to lifelong fitness and enthusiasm in sports and exercises.
The benefits of sports to kids
The most common benefit of physical activities and getting children into sports is to instill in them the love for physical fitness at a young age. Being physically active increases one’s strength and stamina. It strengthens and develops muscle tissues. Those who engage in sports are leaner than those who settled for sedentary activities. A leaner figure equals better body composition and prevents the risk of juvenile diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Sports activities also tend to strengthen the heart and the lungs and ward of diseases like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The love for sports while young will create a positive physical result for kids not only now but also later in life.
Engaging in sports develop a child’s self-esteem and confidence. The act of support, the pat on the back, gestures of approval and many more, these can help kids to have a positive attitude. Words of encouragement can also train them to know their abilities and pursue it.
Children are also taught sportsmanship at an early age. Life is a game and he’ll encounter successes and defeats as he goes along. It will teach them encouragement and positive criticisms to develop. Self-discipline and commitment are other virtues that a child can learn at an early age through sports. Sports have rules and there are coaches’ decisions that kids should follow. Discipline will not only help a team or an individual win, but it can also maximize potentials.
Playing sports also teaches teamwork and cooperation. These are traits that they need to maintain until they grow up. Sports allow them to make friends and interact with other children of their age and even the older ones, like coaches and mentors. Improve communication skills can help them in their future careers and relationships.
Decision-making is also taught early when a child is engaged in sports. Having to choose what to do or what not to do can induce critical thinking and make kids understand the consequences of their decisions.
Kids and physical activities
Today, more and more children are preferring sedentary activities than sports. These include watching television, playing childhood video games on computers and mobile gadgets, browsing the internet and engaging too much in social media.
To counter this, there are outdoor games and sports for kids and toddlers that they can try.
Study shows that toddlers and preschoolers are still establishing basic movements and coordination, although they are too young for organized sports. But there is a list of outdoor games that can be good starters like running, skipping, jumping, tumbling, swimming, throwing and catching, climbing on playground equipment, dancing and biking. When your child isn’t good at sports, these physical activities can give them a boost.
Sports little kids can try
As children enter the age of six, they are more physically improved and they can understand and follow rules and directions. Motor coordination, attention spans, and visions have also developed and they are ready to be introduced to sports.
Here are some names of sports kids might play:
Running. Thinking of a sport that has no, or almost no expenses? Running can be one of them. It gained popularity with charity marathons organized by different groups wherein kids are also welcome to join. Running develops focus, concentration, and endurance and helps improve muscle strength. It also strengthens the lungs thus reduce the risk of common colds and flu.
Biking. Almost all kids are fascinated with bicycles. It gives them a feeling of freedom and independence. This is a hobby that can be transformed into sports. Teach kids about biking safety before allowing them to go out on bikes. It promotes endurance, legs’ strength, coordination, and balance. It will also help to maintain an ideal weight and improve cardiovascular function. Biking with other kids can develop social skills, self-esteem, patience, and discipline.
Gymnastics. Although sports is for both male and female, research shows that gymnastics is one of the most popular girl sports in the Olympic Games. It develops balance and flexibility as well as gracefulness, confidence, and self-discipline.Â
Swimming. One of the top in the list of non-competitive sports, swimming is also a safety skill that kids need to learn. It improves the lungs through breathing control methods when in water. Different swimming strokes can develop muscle strength. Swimming is also
Football. It teaches teamwork and discipline among team players. Physically, it stimulates body coordination and muscle strength and flexibility. It also improves foot agility and cardiovascular sustainability. Aside from cheerleading, football is a good sport for girls to improve their self-esteem, not only for kids but it is best for teenage girls too.Â
Inline skating. This sport can be expensive but is engaging to most kids. Aside from increasing balance, muscle strength and agility, it also encourages body coordination and reflexes.Â
Basketball. Basketball is one good team sports to play and may top a list of popular sports due to commercial leagues that kids can watch on TV. Just a ball and a hoop, this is an appealing game that encourages kids to be active. Although some game rules are adjusted according to kids’ height and age, the game remains beneficial. Dribbling promotes hand and eye coordination. Quick passes improve not just reflexes but thinking and decision-making as well. Running around strengthens the lungs and develops muscle strength and agility. It also improves a child’s communication skills and discipline.
A final note
Engaging kids into sports will not only provide leisure and social skills to kids, it primarily helps him improve physically and emotionally. Parents’ should know how to help their kids to be more athletic. Assistance is always of great help to encourage kids to love sports. Their guidance is much needed to be sure of the safety of the kids while into sports. Leading by example is effective and parents can play along with their kids. They can also watch their kids’ games for support and encouragement. It is also better to consider age-appropriate activity so as not to overwhelm kids with games that are far beyond their capacity and can make your son doesn’t want to play sports anymore. These names of sports mentioned might encourage little kids to play and be physically active.
Read also:
- Physical Education Activities Your Kids Must Try
- The Recommended Summer Education Programs For Kids
- How Physical Activities Improve Your Child’s Mental Health?
