You’ve no doubt heard about our nationwide obesity problem. Childhood rates have skyrocketed in the last few decades. It’s no wonder, really. Kids just don’t get out and play like they used to. If we don’t figure this problem out and find a solution, these overweight kids are going to grow up to be overweight adults. And that means heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other health issues.
An old Danish proverb states that, “fresh air impoverishes the doctor.” The problem is that there are so many indoor entertainments competing for our children’s attention. Video games and television are just the tip of the iceberg. As they get a little older, they quickly add social networking and texting to the mix. While eliminating these diversions completely is probably just a pipedream, there are good reasons to limit their use and counter their influence. But how?
Getting your child involved in team sports can help.
6 Benefits of Playing Team Sports
- Exercise – This is the most obvious one. Team sports require practice and game play. The kids are out there moving, instead of sitting in the house. Some games involve more running than others, but they all require some level of physical activity.
- Social Interaction – Kids spend time developing relationships with their teammates and coaches. They learn to work together, have fun, and achieve a common goal at the same time. Also, many great friendships are formed on the playing field.
- Keeping Busy – How many times have you heard “I’m bored” from your kids? Team sports give them something positive to do. Not only during scheduled events like practices and games, but also practicing at home. Once your kids are in sports, your answer to “I’m bored” can be, “you could practice.” Keeping busy alsohelps kids stay out of trouble. Busy kids don’t have time to fill with, shall we say, less than productive endeavors.
- Academics – Studies show that kids who play sports do better in school than others. They learn to manage their time, and they develop goal-oriented thinking. They learn that if they work hard, they can achieve. And they apply this to all areas of their life.
- Self-Esteem – Kids who play sports receive encouragement and praise for their efforts. They learn that if they strive for improvement, they can achieve it. This can have a powerful and positive effect on their level of confidence in sports and life in general.
- Love of the Game – When kids grow up playing a sport, they develop an attitude toward health and fitness that carries over into adulthood. It forms the basis for living an active lifestyle in the future. Some kids also become avid fans of the sport, and that passion often lasts a lifetime.
What to Play
If you’ve decided to involve your kids in team sports, the next step is to decide which one. Why not try several? When they’re young, playing a sport each season keeps them active all year round. Youth sports programs are available just about everywhere. If your child shows interest in a particular sport, start with that one. Ask around at school, or ask other parents what their kids play and where.
Soccer
For several reasons, my all-time favorite sport for kids is soccer. It’s the most popular sport in the world. It’s played on every continent. If your kids develop a love for watching professional soccer, they’ll be exposed to many different cultures. It’s also extremely athletic, and that means great exercise. Every player on the team (except the goalie) runs almost constantly throughout the game. It’s easy to learn, and it doesn’t require buying a lot of expensive gear. But when your child puts on her soccer team uniform for the first time, watch her glow with the pride of belonging to a real live team!
I agree with you and I have to say that team sports learns some good things to kids such as how to support your partners, important lessons on personal values, etc. I found some really interesting points in your writing, such as family time, that I hadn’t thought of before! Thank you.
totally agreed. I am selling soccer jerseys online and have many customers mentioned to me their kids like soccer because they enjoy playing with other kids and helping each others archiving their goals.