Although not all children want to be active participants in sports, there may come a time when they need to be involved in various athletic experiences. As parents, choosing a sport for their little ones may be challenging due to an array of factors, including their child’s interests, physical health, body type, character, and more. You wouldn’t want to sign a child up for physically demanding sports when he or she is only comfortable or confident in low impact sports. So how can parents help when it comes to choosing a sport that will best serve their children’s interests and needs? Read on to find out more!
Schedule an Initial Physical Examination
A thin and tall child may perform better at basketball. A child with a short and stocky built, on the other hand, may excel at football. Oftentimes, the odds of a child’s success in sports at a young age are affected by their body style, their lifestyles, and current state of health. That’s why it is extremely important to consult with a with a trusted pediatrician before your child actively participates in sports. If you overlook this step, your child may sustain injuries due to certain physical limitations that both parent and child weren’t aware of.
Check if Child Prefers Individual or Team Sports
Every child is different as some kids prefer to be a on team (e.g., basketball, football, or baseball) while others prefer individual sports (e.g., swimming, gymnastics or cycling). Observe how comfortable your child is when he or she is trying out a particular sport. These observations will help you lock on a sport that may work best for your kids, as well as understand what their preferences are.
Try Out Multiple Sports
Remember that you want to avoid overwhelming your child with too many choices. After making a list of potential sports that may suit your child, narrow down to a few sports that he or she seems to enjoy. Oftentimes, kids may experience burnout by playing too many sports during any season. It is, however, still fine to have them try one sport in the winter (e.g., basketball) and another one in spring (e.g., soccer). This may help you determine if your child is able to identify with a particular sport.
Look Out for Signs of Interest
As your child tries out various sports, take note of his or her levels of motivation, enthusiasm, and happiness. Do your children constantly talk about their positive experiences? Are your kids proactive in what they need to do to improve at the sport? Parents are recommended to watch and listen to their children for hints about their preferences, as well as the sports that interest them the most.
Give Your Child the Freedom to Make His/Her Own Decisions
While it is tempting to project your own interests or past on your kids, it is important to note that the sport you were good at may not have the same effect on them. The focus should be on your child’s participation in sports, not the type of sport that they choose. If you push your child too hard into any sport, the plan may backfire.