Sport Delivers More Than Physical Benefits for Your Children

Everybody knows the benefits that playing a sport has for our health. From a very young age, we are told that keeping fit and exercising is important, and one good way to do that is to play a sport. Very little is mentioned about the benefits that playing a sport can have in other areas of our lives. There are social, mental and emotional benefits for example. The support structures and social networks associated with being a member of a sporting group are other benefits that are rarely considered. Here are some more reasons why you should consider encouraging your children to participate in one.

  • A sense of belonging – encouraging your children to join a sports team will help them to develop a sense of belonging. They will have the opportunity to make new friends, some of which could last into adulthood. Having a social circle outside of school is also beneficial.
  • Learn to lose graciously – how many people do you know who are sore losers? In the sporting arena, nobody likes one of those. Being competitive and expressing frustration when losing is ok, as long as it’s not done in an aggressive manner. Throwing tantrums is something we get to experience thanks to the media. Losing with integrity is far more honorable.
  • Working together – ever heard the saying “there’s no I in team?” A team can’t be successful if it doesn’t work together. Communication is a key element for working together. Learning to be part of a team will help them to learn the value of teamwork. An important lesson to carry into adulthood. Other opportunities for working together can be found in experiences done outside of training and can be a great way to bond, too. An Escape Room is a great place to start.
  • Controlling emotions – as children grow up, it’s expected that they learn to control their emotions. When playing a sport, emotions can run high, so it’s important they learn to channel them the right way.
  • Improved self-esteem – sport and other physical activities can contribute to the development of a child’s self-esteem. Handshakes, high fives or a pat on the back will be character building. However, it is important for it not to be associated with winning or losing. It’s the taking part that matters. Ask if they enjoyed playing, or how it went, rather than whether they won or lost.
  • Patience – practice makes perfect, but perfection requires patience. Unless your child is gifted, they’ll have to work hard to become good at their chosen sport.
  • Dedication – participating in sport has been linked to higher academic achievement in school. Putting in the time and effort to get better at a sport can be transferred to school work.

 

Children who regularly participate in sport have also been found to be more resilient. That’s no surprise, because sport can be an emotional rollercoaster. There are highs, lows, wins and losses after all. Sport teaches children to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get back out there to try again another day. It’s about learning from mistakes and bouncing back after making them. Good lessons to learn for adulthood.

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