Physical activity is crucial for children. Not only is it one of the best ways to combat serious childhood obesity epidemicbut by practicing one or more hours of physical activity per day, as recommended by Centers for Disaster Control and Preventioncan help promote a life of health and well-being.
Fortunately, most children have a natural urge to play – and enrolling them in sports is a great way to harness all of that natural energy and turn it into something even greater.
“The importance of physical activity for children is undeniable, and frankly, it’s neglect when children don’t have the opportunity to engage in this invaluable resource in life,” says Michelle M. Miller, certified trainer and founder of My first workout in Tallahassee, Florida.
We asked experts to give us tips and advice on sports and kids and to suggest the best sports for kids of all ages.
How sports can benefit children
From T-ball to gymnastics, organized children’s sports can benefit children in all five key areas of their development: physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral. Miller cites the following benefits:
- Improved resistance.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Improved critical thinking skills.
- Improved self-discipline.
- Increased awareness of good and evil.
How sports can build a foundation for fitness
So where do you come in? When it comes to youth sports, parents are more than just carpool drivers. It’s up to you to help your children not only choose sports that suit their age and personality, but also lay the foundation for physical fitness at an early age.
“Take very young children out to playgrounds and let them play, and teach older children about body weight and basic strength training exercises as well as simple forms of cardiovascular activity, such as walking, swimming or the bike,” says Miller. “When this type of foundation is laid for a child, the chances that they will want to improve their fitness by joining a sports team are much greater.”
Best Sports for Kids Under 5
Most parents of preschoolers can confirm that they have a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of energy. They love to run, jump and play, but they are still perfecting skills like hand-eye coordination and the ability to follow rules. Children in this age group tend to benefit more from activities that help them develop fundamental gross motor skills.
For this age group, Miller also suggests looking toward activities that:
- Are not overly structured, time-consuming or complicated.
- Helps develop self-control, body awareness and self-confidence – skills that will benefit if and when the child is ready to participate in organized sports.
“These are the years when parental coaching through encouragement, mental programming, support and leadership by example becomes the foundation for a lifetime of activity and improves the chances that children will want to play sport in later life ” says Miller.
Some fun starter sports for kids under 5 that Miller recommends include:
- Gymnastic.
- Swimming.
- Cycling.
- Karate.
- Soccer.
“Swimming and cycling can be taught by a parent at home, and once the few necessary items are purchased, they can be the least expensive forms of physical activity, preferably done daily,” says Miller, emphasizing that parents need to be confident in their own skills and safety before teaching their children.
She also suggests community gymnastics and soccer leagues.
“The fundamental skills in these sports are not as complicated as in other sports, making them perfect choices for children who are discovering the sport for the first time,” she says. “Mastering a new age-appropriate skill will boost their confidence and motivate them to keep going.”
Dr. Natasha Trentacostapediatric and adult sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, recommends martial arts for young children.
“From a physical standpoint, anyone can learn the movements and progress at their own pace,” she says. “This promotes body control and awareness and improves movement quality. From a psychological perspective, this encourages discipline, commitment and control.
Rebecca Springsa licensed marriage and family therapist based in Portland, Oregon, recommends activities like gymnastics for preschoolers.
“It gives even very young children a sense of control and confidence in their bodies, and children who are confident in their bodies also begin to have more confidence in their social, academic, and planning skills,” Springs says. “So it’s an overall advantage!” »
Whatever sport you choose to start with, try to keep the pressure low. Springs cautions parents against expecting too much of their children in their early years.
“At this age, your child may not be developmentally ready to benefit from organized sports,” she says. “So if they say they hate football or spend T-ball picking flowers, don’t worry! This doesn’t mean your child doesn’t love sports – they just might not be ready.
Best Sports for Kids Ages 5 to 12
Children’s physical abilities will continue to develop as they age, as will their individual interests. At this point, it’s a great idea to let them explore a variety of activities while guiding them toward the sports best suited to their age, personality, and abilities, as well as factors like your child’s time and budget. family.
“For school-aged children, sports provide a physical outlet, a model of healthy competition and teamwork, and a sense of mastery and identity,” Springs says.
It is not uncommon for children in this age group to become frustrated with a demanding sport and want to quit. This is why it is so important to help them choose the activities that are right for them. Choosing an activity that is inappropriate for one’s age or abilities can lead to boredom or a loss of interest. Parents can help their children stay engaged by guiding them toward activities they can succeed at.
Team sports are all popular in this age group, including:
- Basketball.
- Baseball.
- Soccer.
- Soccer.
- Volleyball.
For more independent or introverted children, look for sports like:
- Athletics.
- Tennis.
- Martial Arts.
- Golf.
- Ride a horse.
- Dance.
The best sports for teenagers
As your child progresses and becomes more competitive, sports can become more expensive and time-consuming for families – and that’s where conversations about commitment level often come in. Additional travel and tutoring can quickly increase the average cost of sport and increase the time required for the athlete and their parents. But there are still great benefits to participating in sports, such as being an attractive candidate for college.
Some of the most expensive sports to play at a competitive level, with the most expensive leagues often taking place during the winter season, include:
- Ice Hockey.
- The Crosse.
- Soccer.
- Baseball.
Sports that require less equipment may be more economical and include:
- Track or cross-country.
- Swimming.
Although older children may be drawn to a particular sport, Miller warns of overuse injuries that can occur due to sport specialization.
“Overuse injuries account for nearly half of all sports injuries among middle and high school students, and since 2000, the number of serious shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players has increased. quintupled, according to Stop Sports Injuries. “, says Miller. “Different sports challenge the body in different ways and ultimately produce a more well-rounded athlete. As long as multiple sports contribute positively to a child’s quality of life, I see no need to limit his participation.
However, as the body is placed under increasing demands across multiple sports, parents must remember that sufficient rest and good nutrition are essential to maintain optimal performance and reduce the risk of injury.
“Good balance should be the priority right now,” says Miller. “Sports should not be a job for children, but no physical activity should be tolerated either. Kids having fun and learning all the life lessons of sport – without the sport taking the lives of the players or their families – is the right balance.
