Personality Development in Children Who Play Sports

It̵7;s no secret that Americans today are, for the most part, overweight and out of shape -- and this unhealthy lifestyle has strong roots in childhood. Yet a 2012 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights the importance of 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children and teens. The physical benefits are obvious -- strong bones and muscles, lean bodies, healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels -- but the emotional benefits, though they lurk below the surface, are perhaps even more significant.

  1. Self-Esteem

    • Children who play sports have higher self-esteem than sedentary children. Higher self-esteem translates to lower incidence of anxiety and depression, and less likelihood of substance abuse and unwanted pregnancy. An exhaustive 2008 Women̵7;s Sports Foundation study concluded that these confident, happy, active children -- girls and boys both -- not only experience better overall quality of life but that their parents do, too, as a direct result. It̵7;s symbiosis.

    Leadership

    • Active children succeed in the classroom and often go on to run the boardroom. Citing a 40 percent increase in employment for women since the enactment of Title IX, a 1972 federal law mandating that women in school had the right to equal involvement -- and resources directed toward -- sports, the New York Times concludes, ̶0;Sports help people do better in life.̶1; Not only are important life lessons such as time management, communication and initiative called into play, but athletes must also learn to work well individually and in teams, how to be humble winners and gracious losers. Parents should check in with their children and coaches on a regular basis, however, as it's not uncommon for sports behavior to go unchecked and lead to negative activities, such as bullying.

    Focus

    • Some parents and doctors choose to treat children who suffer from ADHD through sports. Not only do well-coached sports offer a physical outlet for excess energy, they offer an extended opportunity for focus. Children with ADHD often have complicated peer relationships and sports are a chance to work with other children toward a common goal.

    Caveat

    • Choose age-appropriate activities. Organized team sports may be right for a 10-year-old but will likely frustrate a 4-year-old. With their short attention spans and inability to follow complex directions, younger children may benefit more from unstructured, outdoor, free play. Physical activity is the goal; the key is to make it fun. The toddler who laughs and kicks a ball around the backyard with her parents just may grow into the high school student who earns a soccer scholarship to college -- and who one day kicks the ball around the yard with her own children.

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