- Posted On April 21, 2023
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Sports are one of the most fundamental things a kid should have as it helps the growth of their physical well-being and improves their social and personal skills, including cooperation and leadership.
However, studies show that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of parents (63.1%) have reduced the amount of time their kids spent participating in sports (Post et. al, 2022). And with the world getting back to normal where schools and sports facilities are accessible, it’s time for your kids to have fun through sports, and here’s how you do it:
1. Be an Example
Do you want to make your kids into sports? Be a good example. For a long time, developmental psychologists have understood that kids mimic adults to acquire new things. One of the easiest things to interest kids in sports is to be an active role model because sports participation and pleasant experiences will be passed on to their children.
A child’s conduct, attitudes, and beliefs are deeply influenced by what parents do and say now and in the future. Also, actions speak louder than words, parents who take care of their physical health and wellness have a better chance of inspiring their children. It’s never too late to start playing sports if you don’t have one.
2. Help Your Kid Be Physically Active
Kids under five should be active for 180 minutes or throughout the day. It’s not necessary to do this all at once or play any sports. Other physical activities and surroundings at home that encourage crawling and climbing are beneficial.
And your kids would be inspired to love exercising by engaging them in regular activities that develop coordination from a young age, such as tossing and catching, kid-trikes riding, running, and playing. Young kids spend a lot of time pushing things, maybe on chairs or tables, so they need to be active so their bodies and minds can grow and develop properly.
3. Spend Time Together
Nothing beats quality time with your kids, as it will help your relationship with them, and it’s always best when you do sports together as it will also help them love what they are doing because of your presence.
You, the parent, set the momentum for your kid’s propensity to relate sports to enjoyment. Because kids model behavior after their parents, teach them the value of sports by participating in the activities together.
Teach your kid how to ride a bike, then go on bike rides with them to reinforce the skill, and try to ride down the street or as riding mountain bikes through your city park. Or buy a basketball, and instruct them in the fundamentals of dribbling and shooting.
4. Make Them Focus on Fun Rather than Competing
According to experts, kids shouldn’t participate in competitive sports until they are seven or eight years old. The strain of being judged and given a grade for their performance is too much for their still-developing minds.
As a parent, you may teach them the fundamentals of any sport then. Before kids join leisure competitions, events, or even leagues, they should develop good technique by learning to dribble a ball, swing a bat, or swim. Young athletes, as they are, should place more emphasis on enjoyment and the fundamentals than on competing.
5. Don’t Show Disappointment to Them
Your kids will never try to let you down. As parents, always be positive and motivating when talking and doing sports with them. Don’t let your mood become gloomy because doing so can pressure them and even leave them with a permanent bad impression. Instead, smile often. You don’t want your kids to equate playing sports with disappointing their coach or you.
6. Praise and Reward for Their Progress
Always praise and reward your kids with anything for their progress in sports, it may be ice cream, something valuable, or through traveling or visiting their favorite places. Praise and reward can boost good feelings and increase motivation. Also, these praises and rewards allow your kids to grow in a healthy and positive environment, whether it may be in your household, school, or sports facilities. And your kids will always remember how progress comes with rewards and great affection from you as parents.