Keeping Your Kids Active Through Sports All Year

In this high-tech age of computers and video games it’s really no surprise that kids are just not getting the exercise they really need. In addition to this, children are missing out on the benefits that competitive sports can bring. Many of us are old enough to remember the days before computers and electronic games, when our moms and dads would often tell us to stop watching TV and go out and get some fresh air. Unfortunately some schools are even contributing to the problem by cutting recess in favor of more academics. All of these issues leave us parents, with the responsibility to find ways to keep our kids active all year.

Benefits of Participation in Sports

Although there are some who are opposed to competitive sports, especially where children are concerned, the benefits can far outweigh the drawbacks. Through sports, children learn to better themselves through healthy competition, set goals and learn the valuable skill of working as a team. They also learn to follow the rules and how to lose gracefully. Competitive sports can help children build character.

Sports Opportunities in School

For many years organized sports has been a big part of both our public and private school system. While in larger schools it may be more difficult for less athletic kids to make the team, many schools also have intramural sports so everyone has a chance to participate. Unfortunately in the present state of our economy some schools have had to make major budget cuts and often sports are the first thing to go.

Other Opportunities

If, for any reason, our children are not given the opportunity to participate in sports in school, we as parents may need to be creative and come up with our own solutions. This is really not all that difficult. There are all kinds of opportunities for kids to play sports through church leagues, Little League organizations, the YMCA and even homeowners associations.

If you are not able to find something you’re happy with, why not organize one yourself? Although this may seem complicated it can actually be something as simple as getting together with a few other families on a quiet Sunday afternoon and playing softball at the park or at an indoor arena. The activity will not only be good for your kids but will give the adults some much-needed exercise as well. An added benefit is family fun and togetherness–something that is often missing in our culture today.

Tailoring An Opportunity To Fit Your Child

As a homeschooling parent, my children would have definitely suffered if I had not found ways to keep them physically active. While they were very young, I found a couple of responsible teenagers who actually had their own business teaching PE to homeschoolers. Not only were their classes physically beneficial, but they were a lot of fun. Through the years my son has been involved in hockey through YMCA sports, a hockey team offered by our homeschool organization (which also offered baseball, basketball, track and tennis), and competitive hockey. He is currently a goalie on his college varsity team. My daughter, on the other hand does not like competitive sports, but greatly enjoys her dance class. My son and daughter are both able to enjoy a sports activity that works to their liking, which keeps them actively participating.

The benefits of playing sports are abundant, whether it’s participating in a competitive league or playing a neighborhood pick-up basketball game just for fun. Getting your children involved in physical activities may not be as hard as you think. Maybe it’s time we as parents tell our kids to take a break from the computer, get out into the real world and have some fun! 

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[author_info]About the Author

Guest writer Joanne Patterson is a big fan of Junior Hockey and writes for US Junior Hockey News, a forum for the latest breaking news and announcements from across the United States.

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Tags: homeschooling, sports

Category: Sports