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By Stefanie Hamilton
One of the best ways for children to stay healthy and build their coordination and self-confidence is by playing sports. Children as young as 6 or 7 have enough coordination and focus to play on organized teams. Many summer camps have developed programs for young kids to teach them the fundamentals and help lay a good foundation the kids can build on as they grow up.
While you want to give your child the freedom to choose which sport he’d like to play, keep these suggestions in mind:
· Kids 5 and under are typically too young for organized sports. They still lack some of the basic coordination and focus needed to play well.
· Kids who are early-elementary-aged (approximately 6 to 8 years old) often have enough ability to try sports like tennis, soccer, softball, golf, gymnastics, or swimming. This is also a good age to get them started in things like martial arts.
· Upper-elementary and older kids (8 or 9 years and older) are usually able to try anything, including football. One area of interest that’s on the rise is “extreme sports” – things like rock climbing or snowboarding. Though there is a greater element of risk with sports like these, kids can be taught how to enjoy them safely. Many larger cities have indoor climbing facilities with areas specially equipped for young kids. Many even have classes. The same goes for sports like snowboarding or surfing. Oceanfront cities often have surf camps where kids can develop their skills, learn how to have fun, and also stay safe.
If your child expresses interest in organized sports, but has never played, let him try several sports – both individual and team. Let him have the freedom to explore and learn about his own likes and dislikes. Consider letting him attend a sports summer camp. Many summer camps focus on a specific sport – football, track & field, or baseball – but some summer camps offer a variety and give your child just enough exposure to help him choose.
Another thing to consider in this beginning stage is the cost of each sport. Hockey, for example, can be very costly because of all of the equipment required. In contrast, your child could get outfitted to play tennis with relatively little cash.
Even while your child is still in her discovery phase, do your best to be involved and supportive. This doesn’t mean that you have to coach her soccer team, but go to some of the practices and many of the games. Not only will the support give your child a boost of confidence and excitement, but it will give you an opportunity to see what her team – and her coach – is like.
For your child’s first sports experience, you want her to have a coach that teaches the rules and fundamentals of the game, emphasizes fair play and has as much fun coaching as the kids have playing.
Be wary of a coach that’s overly concerned with winning, especially if he’s yelling at the kids or pushing them to play injured. The last thing your child needs when he’s trying to learn a new sport is a “win-at-all-costs” coach. He won’t learn real teamwork or sportsmanship from someone like that.
After trying two or three activities, your child may discover that though he enjoys being active, he doesn’t like playing organized sports, and that’s okay. Encourage him to try hiking or bike riding or even hacky-sack.
Regardless of whether it’s through organized sports or hanging out with friends, help your child learn to enjoy and make time for physical activity. You’ll be helping her form habits that will last a lifetime.
