Should your children play sports?

LIVESTRONG.COM

By Jae Ireland



Overview
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, children need 60 minutes of physical activity per day to maintain optimum health. Signing your children up to play sports, either team or individual, can help get them off the couch. Not only will they enjoy a better quality of life, but you'll see the impact sports have on young children in a variety of ways.

Character Development
You may think that soccer entails nothing more than kicking a ball up and down the field, but when your young child plays, she starts to develop her character in new ways. Her work ethic, time management skills and conflict management abilities can all be realized and honed while on the field. The University of Florida maintains that it should not be perceived as just soccer, but as an important lesson in interpersonal relationships and communication.

Fitness Benefits
Getting your child involved in sports keeps him active, which can impact his body and allow him to enjoy the benefits of physical fitness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that at least 25 percent of American children watch 4 or more hours of television per day, which is no doubt contributing to the staggering childhood obesity rate in the U.S. Sports allows your child to find fun in fitness by being part of a team and working toward a goal.

Self Esteem and Confidence
Sports have the potential to impact your child's overall self esteem, self worth and confidence. Exercising daily can give children a better outlook on their bodies and fitness levels, and even small children can become more confident when they excel at certain sports. Whether it is martial arts, swimming, basketball or baseball, mastering a skill gives a child more confidence to try new activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that with the right confidence and parental support, sports can impact the way children feel about themselves.

Leadership Development
Sports can impact the way children develop leadership skills. Leadership skills are important in their personal lives, and the way they interact with others on the court can help them to develop those leadership skills for the future. The University of Florida urges parents to allow children to assume leadership roles in sports so they can learn proper methods for conflict management.

Adult Relationships
Outside of sports, adult relationships with children are limited to teachers, family members and parents. All of these relationships show adults in disciplinarian roles. Sports impact the way children think and relate to adults. Instead of being disciplinarians, adults become coaches and team members, working with the children to achieve a common goal. This fosters healthy adult relationships later in life, and it can help children feel as if they are on a more level playing field.

References
* DHHS: Children and Sports
* University of Florida: Benefits of Sports for Kids
* AAP: Organized Sports for Children and Preadolescents

Should your children play sports? was originally published on LIVESTRONG.COM.

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