Fitness for kids who don't like
sports
(http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/hate_sports.html) |
Team
sports can help
a child gain
self-esteem,
coordination, and general fitness, and help them learn how to work with other
kids and adults. But some kids aren't natural athletes and they may tell you -
directly or indirectly - that they just don't like sports. What then?
Why
Some Kids Don't Like Teams every
child doesn't have to join a team, and with enough other activities, kids can
be fit without them. But it's a good idea to find out why your child isn't
interested. You might be able to help solve any deeper concerns your child
might be having, or steer your child toward something else. Talk with your
child and let him or her know that you'd like to work on a solution together.
That solution might mean making changes and sticking with the team sport or
finding a new activity to try.
Here are some reasons why sports might be a turnoff for a child:
Still Developing Basic Skills
What
You Can Do.Practice
with your child at home.
Whether you're shooting baskets, playing catch, or going for a jog together,
you're giving your child an opportunity to build his or her skills and
fitness in a safe environment. Your child can
freely try - and risk failing - new things without the self-consciousness of
being around his or her peers. And you're also getting a good dose of quality
together time.
Coach or League Is Too Competitive
What You Can Do. Investigate sports programs before signing your child up for one. Talk with coaches and other parents about the philosophy. Some athletic associations, like the YMCA, have noncompetitive leagues. In some programs, they don't even keep score. Keep
in mind that as kids get older, they can handle more competitive aspects such
as keeping score and keeping track of wins and losses for the season. Some kids
may be motivated by competitive play, but the average child may not be ready
for the increased pressure until he or she is 11 or 12 years old.
Remember that even in more competitive leagues,
the atmosphere should remain positive and
supportive
for all the participants.
Stage
Fright What
You Can Do.
Keep your expectations realistic - most kids don't become Olympic medallists or
get sports scholarships. Let your child know the goal is to be fit and have
fun. If the coach or league doesn't agree, it's probably time to look for
something new.
Still
shopping for a Sport
What
You Can Do.
Be open to your child's interests in other sports or activities. That can be
tough if, for instance, you just loved basketball and wanted to continue the
legacy. But by exploring other options, you give your child a chance to get
invested in something he or she truly enjoys.
Other
Barriers What
You Can Do.
Give some honest thought to your child's strengths, abilities, and temperament,
and find an activity that might be a good match. Some kids are afraid of the
ball, so they don't like softball or volleyball, but may enjoy an activity like
running. If your child is overweight, he or she might lack the endurance to
run, but might enjoy a sport like swimming. Your child may be too short for the
basketball team, but may enjoy gymnastics or wrestling.
Keep
in mind that some kids just prefer sports that focus on individual performance
rather than teamwork.
Remember
that the goal is to prevent your child from feeling frustrated, wanting to
quit, and being turned off from sports and physical activity altogether.
With
good communication, you may be able to address your child's concerns. Other
issues may naturally fade as your child grows. If you can understand what your
child is going through and provide a supportive environment, you can help your
child succeed in whatever activity he or she chooses.
Ways to Stay Fit Outside of Team Sports
Free
play can be very important for a child who doesn't play a team sport. What's
free play? It's the activity kids get when they're left to their own devices,
like shooting hoops, riding bikes, playing whiffleball, playing tag, jumping
rope, or dancing.
Outside of the most common team sports, your child might want to try individual sports or other organized activities that can boost his or her fitness. Here are some ideas: Swimming Horseback
riding
Dance
classes
Inline
skating
Cycling
Cheerleading
Skateboarding
Hiking
Golf
Tennis
Fencing
Gymnastics
Martial
arts
Yoga
and other fitness classes
Ultimate
Frisbee
Running
Supporting
Your Kid's Choices You'll
need to be patient if your child has difficulty choosing and sticking to an
activity. It often takes several tries before a child finds one that feels like
the right fit. But when something clicks, you'll be glad you invested the time
and effort. For your child, it's one big step toward developing active habits
that can last a lifetime.
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