Most kids play a sport when they're growing up, and that's a great thing. Today, on The Scope, I'll talk about the benefits of having your child play a sport.
Benefits of Sports for Children
Like many of you, I'm a soccer parent. My kids also do taekwondo. Having kids do sports goes way beyond the benefits of just keeping them active so they get tired.
Physical Wellbeing
For starters, kids who participate in sports have stronger muscles and bones. It also helps keep their weight under control, which is important considering the child obesity problem we are seeing. Being active in sports will also help keep their heart healthy because it improves cardiovascular endurance.
Social Skills
Being on a sports team also helps kids with social interactions, building teamwork, and leadership skills. Teamwork requires cooperation and compromise. It can also teach empathy in the form of learning how to be a good sport when something doesn't go their way on the field.
Confidence and Self-esteem
Being part of a team helps them with confidence and boosts their self-esteem when they're part of a group of peers with similar likes and goals. They also learn responsibility and discipline. They have to listen to and respect their coach and their peers when on a team.
Good Study Skills
Kids who participate in sports also seem to do better in school. High school students know they have to keep up a specific GPA in order to continue to play their sport, and so this is one way to encourage good study skills. Physical activity has also been shown to help keep their mind sharp as they build new problem-solving skills on and off the field.
Perseverance
Athletes are often in high-pressure situations on the field. They have to figure out how to quickly adapt to these situations and work through them. This helps with coping skills and critical thinking as they face challenges in life.
updated: August 21, 2023
originally published: September 23, 2018
