Parents have divided ideas when it comes to team sports. While some see it as a beneficial, and in some cases, an essential part of childhood, others literally see it as a form of parental abuse. While it is true that some parents push their favourite sports on their children to vicariously live through them, organized team sports can have great benefits on the development of your child. However, itβs important that theyβre actually on board and get to choose the sports they actually want to pursue. Letβs take a look at some of the ways playing team sports benefits kids. Here are some great online sporting goods stores to find whatever equipment you may need.
It Teaches Them To Appreciate Physical Activity
One of the major benefits of team sports for children is that theyβll develop a whole different mindset towards physical activity. Children who grew up playing sports are more likely to grow up as healthy and active adults. Trying to get a child to go outside and play is much more difficult when theyβve been raised on a tablet. Playing sports will help them enjoy the outdoors more, and they will actually see the activity as being fun instead of a chore.
They Can Be Tailored To Their Personality
Not all team sports are the same, and some can enhance personality traits your child already has. Many people imagine that an introverted child cannot benefit from team sports, but thatβs not true. Sports like baseball, for instance, are a great option for introverts, as players donβt clash as much. This will allow them to start socializing at their pace and develop some social skills along the way.
Baseball is also great for children as itβs relatively low impact when compared with other team sports. The risk of injury is very low as a result. However, you have to make sure that they have the right equipment both for protection and performance. So, make sure that you invest in a good helmet, cleats, and mouth guards, and also look at bats made for kid’s hands to make sure that they feel comfortable and can do well.
Can Help Build Self Confidence
Team sports can also be a great way for a child to build self-confidence. Confidence is usually gained via true accomplishment and recognition, and team sports offer tons of opportunities to get both. Even support players can start building confidence in their specific skills, which will carry on to other activities. Others might also discover talents they didnβt think or know they had.
Itβs important, however, that you constantly monitor your child to see if theyβre actually flourishing. In most cases, youβll be able to tell after games how they actually feel. If theyβre not talkative and want to retreat straight to their caves once they get home, then it could be a sign that something is wrong. While this may be temporary, it should be a concern if it’s over a prolonged period, so make sure that you have a talk with them and see if their heart is still in the game.
Get Better Communication Skills
No matter what team sport it is, communication plays a very important role in it. Communication skills have to be built when children are developing, so it becomes part of their brainβs circuitry. Playing a team sport will allow them to express and assert themselves, learn how to be active listeners, and share opinions. These are all invaluable skills that will help them grow up into more well-rounded adults.
As you can see, team sports can have tons of benefits for young children. It could help them develop crucial soft skills that will be useful for the rest of their lives while getting the amount of activity necessary to be healthy and happy.
*collaborative post