How to Find the Right Sport for Children

For many teens-and even elementary school children-this also means after school practice for sports. In fact, I’m sure many teens have already been practicing for the last month. And although parents are probably scrambling (and perhaps grumbling) about transportation to and from practice and early Saturday morning soccer matches, the children involved in these sports are receiving tremendous benefits from them.

The most obvious benefit is physical fitness, but the benefits go beyond the physical. Children who are active are much happier than couch potato children. According to Prevention Magazine, a study of nearly 4,600 middle-school students found that seventh graders who did a bare minimum of exercise-20 minutes, three times a week-had fewer symptoms of depression than those who were less active. The more they moved, the happier they were.

Girls who play sports are less likely to drop out of school, use tobacco, get pregnant, abuse drugs, and are more likely to delay their first sexual experience. A girl’s love for activity can be nurtured just as early as it is for little boys. When you go out to the backyard to throw the softball around, don’t forget about your daughters!

Laurie Harrison, mother of a teenage daughter says, “Emily is actually just getting back into sports. She used to play on recreation leagues through elementary school, but got out of it when she went into middle school. She is going into high school this year and has spent the last week trying out for the volleyball team. I am very happy to see it, because I think sports-especially at the high school level-really require commitment and teach kids about setting goals and sticking to them. Sports are also a great way for kids to hang out with friends and still stay out of trouble.”

Now I’m not saying that every parent should run over and sign their child up for the football team. Every child is different. Some may strive in team sports, while others find more satisfaction in more solitary sports like running, gymnastics or dance. What I am saying is to encourage your child to find a physical activity that he or she finds fun and satisfying. Encourage them to give it their all, but don’t pressure them to the point that it is not fun anymore.

Diana Colomo, mother of three boys says, “All of my boys play soccer. They play select soccer, high school soccer and recreational soccer. And now the eldest will be playing it in college too.

This sport like many others I am sure has benefited my boys in so many ways. For starters they are all very physically fit and have learned the importance of working hard and eating healthy. For high school, they have also learned that they must work hard and maintain a certain grade point average to be eligible to play. It has shown them that this is a team sport and not about just them. If every player doesn’t play hard then the entire team suffers.

My eldest two now play pick-up games three times a week just for fun. This keeps them off the streets and from hanging out with the wrong people. However, this is by their choice. They just love the game. Many of the players come back to our house after the games. These boys can sit and talk about the game, laugh and enjoy sharing their stories for hours. It just amazes me, but I am so fortunate that they have a sport that they love and want to do. The boys have been able to travel too and see many different states. They have played games in MD, VA, AZ, CA, FL, OH, PA, MA just to name a few.

Although my husband and I are very busy running them from game to game, we wouldn’t have it any other way to have the same outcome. I can’t wait to watch our son now play in a college game!”

When helping your child pick a sport, there are a few things to consider. First, ask yourself, “What does my child enjoy doing for fun?” What kind of time commitment does a certain sport require-and do you and your child have that kind of time? Have you watched the coach of the sport you are considering? Does he or she seem to enjoy their job? Will they be a positive influence on your child? Finally, are there safety procedures in case of an injury? Are you comfortable with those procedures? And, of course, your child should have a physical before undertaking any sport to make sure he or she is in good health.