How Do Sports Affect Children?

Sports have numerous effects on children. The goal of most parents is to ensure that sports are having a positive effect, and mostly they do. Sensational news stories tend to focus on the few extreme parents who become out of control at their child's sporting event, but for the most part, unacceptable behaviors like that do not occur often. The best outcome regarding children and sports is when the parent considers the personality and physical development of the child prior to placing him in a sport.

  1. Significance

    • Organized sports give children a chance to learn and master certain skills in a safe environment. Sports can provide a social outlet and will teach children how to function as a team player. Sports also teach children about competition and practice, and provide an entertaining way for children to get some exercise.

    Effects

    • You may be tempted to sign your child up as early as possible for a sport to try and give her a head start, perhaps. However, if you sign her up too early--before she is developmentally or emotionally ready--you can create quite a frustrating experience and could turn her off from the sport completely. Children don't develop the skills or attention span necessary to play most sports until they are 6 or 7 years old, according to the Kids Health website. Children younger than that can still play sports, but the focus should be on having fun and not about competition.

    Warning

    • Some children experience burnout if they start playing a sport too young or if the parent is treating the sport more like a job, according to the Family Resource website. The winning-at-all-cost attitude often backfires. By putting all your eggs in one basket, so to speak, and investing all of your child's energy into one sport when he is young, he may drop out before he reaches high school and will not have another sport to fall back on.

    Considerations

    • On the other side of the fence from parents who sign their children up too early for sports are the parents who are afraid to let their child play certain sports for fear of their child getting hurt. If you child wants to try a contact sport and you are reluctant to let her try, talk to the coach about the safety gear, discuss the sport with your pediatrician and find out the age range of the other children who will be playing. If everything seems OK, go ahead and let your child try, recommends the Kids Health website. The effect will be a great learning experience for your child.

    Time Factor

    • Another aspect on the affect sports have on children is the time factor and how this fits in with the rest of the family's schedule. Sports can be quite time-consuming for a child, interfering with homework, dinner, getting together with friends and spending time with the family. Some sports take up the entire weekend, and some require traveling. Determine ahead of time if this is something you and your child are willing to do. If this sport is something that will work, this can give the parent a chance to be a "team parent" by helping out as an assistant coach or volunteering to bring snacks to practices. This can have a positive effect on the relationship between you and your child.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • The Best Magazines for Pre-School Children
      Colorfully illustrated preschool magazines provide photos, stories and educational activities to encourage a childs creativity. Parents can choose from a range of magazines that fit the age and interests of their child. The magazines offer plenty of
    • 6 Possible Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Kids
      Coconut oil is commonly used for cooking, skin moisturization, and hair oiling in tropical regions. Even research shows that consuming coconut oil is beneficial for children . If you want to try coconut oil for kids, use it in small amounts if they h
    • Gifts for a Kids' Soccer Team
      Whether youre the coach or a supportive parent, the end of the soccer season or winning a tournament is an big event for any child who plays a team sport. Encourage children and show them you care by rewarding them with a gift that relates to soccer.