Physical activity is an important part of your child’s health. With high childhood obesity rates and kids spending more and more time in front of the computer, it is more important than ever to make sure your child is getting enough daily physical activity. Enrolling your child in sports is a great way to promote physical activity while also teaching your child teamwork and dedication. However, getting your child interested in sports can be difficult if they have never shown an interest before. Here are a few tips to get your child excited about sports!
Start At Home
Before signing your child up for a sports team, start by integrating physical activity into your home life. This can be as simple as going for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner each night, or going on long bike rides as a family. Making physical activity an important part of your child’s daily schedule is a great way to ease them into signing up for sports outside of the home. Additionally, leading by example is also an important part of getting your child excited about exercising. Try to reserve TV time only after you have finished eating dinner and working out. If your child sees you being active rather than laying on the couch, they will feel more inclined to do the same.
Let Them Choose Their Sport
It is important to not pressure your child into playing a sport that they are not truly passionate about. If your child shows no interest in playing football, don’t try to force them into it. Instead, let them gravitate towards the sport that interests them the most. If they express interest in swimming, look into swimming lessons for kids in your area. If karate seems more their speed, sign them up for a class catered towards children. Children will quickly lose interest in a sport they aren’t passionate about, so make sure you’re really listening to them and only sign them up for something they will enjoy.
Stay Positive
Although playing sports is inherently competitive, make sure your child knows that it is just a game by keeping a positive outlook on the sport they choose to play. One way you can do this is by not letting your disappointment show when your child’s team loses a game. Instead, use positive language like “you did your best and that’s what counts.” Keeping an optimistic energy when your child is playing will actually inspire them to do better. Playing sports should be about relieving stress, not creating it, and your child will look forward to playing sports if they see that you don’t take it too seriously.
When it comes to getting your child interested in sports, the best approach is to just stay positive and let them naturally gravitate towards the sport they want to play. Let them know that you are their biggest fan and you’ll be on the sidelines cheering them on no matter what!
Leave a Reply