At the beginning of every school year, droves of families will sign their children up for different after school activities ranging from music to sports at school or by a third party. Kids might end up not wanting to go back to that sport because it stops being fun according to an article on familyeducation.com. As the Olympics kick into high gear, sit down with your kids and discuss the various disciplines. This is a good start to gauge their interest. Here are some points to remember when it comes to sports and kids:
Kindergarten
They are so adorable in those tiny uniforms, making everyone swoon. At this young age, it’s best to focus on them running then allowing them to fall, get back up and laugh off the blunder. At this stage, just managing staying upright is the most important goal.
Elementary School
Kids at this age need to be allowed to find their passion. Parents and coaches would have to manage their expectations of them and remove the competitive element from this and let the kids enjoy playing the sport first. This is the most important time as research shows that kids at this age group quit sports and rarely (more like never) go back for they feel as if they can’t live up to their parents’ expectations.
Middle School
The numbers start to dwindle when they start to register for sports as the ‘fun’ component of the sport starts to wane. The interest is no longer appealing or compelling enough for kids at this age to sign up or even try after making up their minds about not wanting to participate. The only way to not lose the aspect of team work that’s essential in every day life is having middle schoolers play pick up games with friends.
High School
If your child is playing in a team sport, be sure to play close attention to what they are drinking or eating as some start to take steroids to build muscle. This can have dire health implications. Academics and their social lives might take up a significant portion of their time and playing pick up games might seem too much extra on their agendas. However, this is to be encouraged to help establish a work-life balance early in life. Varsity teams are welcome on the condition that its their choice and not from parents or coaches.
Sourced from life.familyeducation.com
Photos: agourasportscamp.com
