For the Love of the Game
Many parents believe that after-school sports are a vital part of their kids' upbringing. But, others believe that there's very little "play" left in sports. Instead, they think sports cause kids a lot of stress.
Kids' sports has been a hot topic for quite some time now. First and foremost, it's vital for parents to understand they play an influential role in determining whether playing sports is a good or bad experience for their kids.
Sports Pros
Organized sports can be a wonderful gateway to many different experiences, and offer many lessons when handled in a positive and supportive way. For example, sports can help create kids who are self-confident and self-disciplined. When I asked one of my sons, Adam, about the benefits of playing sports, he explained that it taught him different ways to communicate with people and how to follow directions.
When I asked another of my sons, Nathan, what he thought was important when it comes to participating in sports, his input was to, "Have more fun and to be relaxed when playing. The more fun it is, the more relaxed you become. As a result, your self-confidence grows. It's definitely easier to learn when you are feeling good about yourself than when you're stressed out."
TIP: Spend a moment thinking of your favorite teachers or coaches. Weren't they the ones who made learning or playing a sport fun? Well, it's the same for your kids!
Proponents of youth sports argue that, through participation, "Children develop desirable traits, such as co-operativeness, assertiveness, enhanced self-esteem, and a sense of competence, and leadership," according to an article by N. Dickon Reppucci in the American Journal of Community Psychology. Coping skills, motor coordination, and healthy attitudes towards physical activity are other positives.
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Advisorama
If you survive long enough, you are revered -- rather like an old building.
Be sure you aren't living your own fantasies through your child.
This article really hit home with me. I started playing badminton in my college days. Even as a beginner, I felt the need to win against every opponent. So I started to practice 6 hours a week. After that, I got addicted to the game. If a lost a game in one day, I needed to come back and win tomorrow. And if I won, I needed to prove it again tomorrow. I put so much pressure on myself, I could only think of winning. I would keep myself awake at night thinking up strategies.
Now I have two children. I bought a badminton racket right away -- as soon as they could hold one. Now I realize that I might cause some pressure to my children.
Thanks for the article. I should teach my children how to play the game and not worry so much about becoming full-fledged athletes.
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