An Early Start at Fitness: Why Kids Need Sports

It’s never too early to get your children started in something that helps keep them fit. All kids need exercise so it is important to get them active

early. Whether you are taking your child to open “free play” events or have them in structured activities, an active lifestyle as a youngster is important to lifelong health.

Here are some reasons parents should embrace organized sports in the lives of their kids:

 

• Sports fight childhood health problems. More and more kids are becoming overweight and being diagnosed with health problems like diabetes early because of their lack of activity. Getting your child involved in a sport gives them a way to combat these issues. Being involved in a physical sport helps them to burn off extra calories and build muscle. It also keeps their organs and bodies strong, which can help fight off germs and sickness.

 

• Being in a sport leads to a lifetime of health. Even if your child is an early teen and overweight, just getting them started will help give them the boost of confidence to start working towards a goal. Once they get started, and their bodies get stronger, they will want to stay that way. This will help them feel better about themselves. Building a healthy lifestyle today will help them stay that way when they are older.

 

• Sports build mental investment. Giving your child the ability to pick a sport to try helps build self-confidence too because they will gain a sense of ownership for that sport. They will become excited about what they are doing and want to get out there and keep going, learning more, and becoming better. The items necessary for each sport, whether it be cheer gear or golf clubs, also make a child feel like a true athlete.

 

• There are sports for every personality. Some of the sports available your child include: soccer, basketball, football, cheerleading, swimming, gymnastics, running, karate, dance, and more. Whether your kid decides to put on soccer cleats or cheer shoes, there is a group of like-minded kids ready to welcome him or her. These are great activities for your child too, because they are disciplined and structured. If your son or daughter wants to participate, they have to learn to listen and follow directions. If you are having trouble getting your child to listen to you, sometimes getting an outside person like a coach involved is a great way to get your child to respect an adult and build a relationship of encouragement.

 

• Team building and cooperation is learned. Being part of a team is a way to build excitement about wanting to become healthy and in shape. It also teaches important social interaction skills that will be needed in the workplace as an adult. When you are part of a team, you gain ownership of it. Kids that put on cheerleading uniforms or basketball jerseys are becoming part of something that is bigger than they are as an individual.

 

Getting your kids involved early in organized sports will help them stay fit, gain confidence, and build a sense of pride and accomplishment. A family that is healthy and strong starts with parents ready to encourage their child in active pursuits. The end goal is shaping a child instilled with healthy habits that stick with him or her forever.