Your child can enjoy the benefits of sports and an active lifestyle if you encourage them at an early age. Together with a balanced diet and good hygiene, being active will help your child develop strong bones and muscles, quick reflexes, analytical thinking, and sportsmanship. A fighting can-do attitude can further develop when your child is into sports. If your child is energetic, they can release that energy the right way — in the right places.
Here are some ways to encourage your child to get involved in sports and other physical activities.
Surround them with sports-related items
A child who grows up with items like a basketball or a soccer ball, skipping ropes, and even books about sports will be more encouraged to try sports. If your child has easy access to these items, they will always be ready to play.
Mind your child’s age
Age-appropriate sports are important. A child of seven years can already learn how to dribble a basketball, swing a plastic golf club, or swim. As long as you are there to guide them, there’s no reason for your child not to start early. Andre Agassi began swinging a tennis racquet around five, and so do most kids who become professional athletes later in life.
Watch for your child’s interest
Most children who develop a liking for sports take their cue from their parents. If you play volleyball, chances are your child will learn it, too. Observe your child to know which sports they like. Their school will also play a part in that. A school known for basketball is likely to get students interested in basketball.
Capture them on video
Videos are easy to capture, even if all you have is a smartphone. Capturing your child at play on video is not for family enjoyment; it’s also for keeping a record of how they are improving in their sport.
Eventually, if they get really good at it, you might need those videos to get them a scholarship. Look for sports scholarship video services in Minnesota that can put the video highlights together. Coaches can watch the finished video and decide whether your child has a future as a school athlete. Videos also come in handy if your child eventually wants to turn pro and declares for a draft.
Sports has the power to keep your child away from developing bad habits, and that’s another bonus. Athletic children tend to care about their physical and emotional health too. Introduce your child to sports at an early age and they will reap the benefits later in life.