Sports are a great fitness tool for parents and children alike in order to build a more balanced body. Sports encourage participation, improvement of self-confidence and self-image. Sports are also a great outlet for energy, something children often have in abundance. They can strengthen the body as well as provide a great way for kids and adults alike to interact with each other.
These are some of the greatest reasons to get involved in sports and other athletic activities either for yourself or for your children. Among popular sports for children are soccer, martial arts, dance and baseball. However, there are a lot more including:
- Swimming
- Roller Blading
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Bowling
- Ice Skating
- Football
The pros and cons of sports are up to the individual family and child. It’s a mistake for parents to push their children into a sport they are not interested in. For example, if your son really enjoys dance class and your daughter prefers soccer, keep an open mind. There are a lot of parents who don’t think dance is a ‘sport’ and associate it with images that assault masculinity and emphasize femininity. However, in dance class the movements require control, balance and good reflex control.
Team sports offer the opportunities to teach cohesive effort as well as improve fitness, but you have to avoid the types of sports that push children into hard competition. Avoid the expectation of a child to follow in a parent’s footsteps. There are many non-sporting events that teach teamwork and if a child is interested in solo sports such as bowling, swimming and gymnastics, then don’t discourage them from that.
The same can be said for adults. A round of tennis or racquetball can burn off stress and improve fitness. The point of sports, however, is to mix the business of fitness with the pleasure of fun. Both ingredients must be present for the individuals involved to have a good time.
I am not a big fan of team sports, however I do enjoy bowling with a team and I enjoy sports that I can pit myself against others in. You and your children do not have to be in training for the next Olympics, if you find a sport that you both enjoy – go for it. Remember, staying fit and active is the ultimate goal and that’s a team sport you and your family can both enjoy.