How do you choose the right sport for your child? And how do you know if it’s time to quit? Keep these tips in mind as you weigh your options.
There’s no shortage of evidence that participating in sports is beneficial for children: it contributes to physical, mental and emotional development and helps them learn self-confidence, resilience and sportsmanship. Plus, the more frequently children participate in sports as children, the more likely they are to be active as adults.
So how do you choose the right sport for your child? Keep the following factors in mind:
Interests, abilities and temperament. Are there particular sports that your child loves to watch on TV? Is your child drawn more to individual or team sports? Is he best at activities requiring primarily endurance, speed or coordination? Does she want to do something that all her friends are doing or something uniquely hers?
Physical and emotional readiness. Talk to the instructor or coach to find out what physical characteristics (strength, height, endurance, complex motor skills, etc.) are needed, and discuss your child’s mental readiness to follow directions, practice teamwork and handle the pressure of competition.
Time and cost involved. Evaluate the travel and practice time needed…
