The Benefits of Youth Sports

Is your child missing out on the benefits of youth sports?  If so, you could be denying them significant advantages that could help them excel socially, emotionally, physically and psychologically on and off the field.  With over 30 million children actively participating in some form of youth sports, experts, parents and coaches agree that sports has much more to offer than just learning how to play a game.  Hands down, fun is the number one reason why any child should be participating in sports; but there is no denying the fact that youth sports can provide your child with so much more.  This list of benefits will show you why your child needs to get in the game.  

Social Benefits: Shauntelle Hamlet at www.livestrong.com explains how team sports allow children the opportunity to develop their social skills.  Through sports kids can learn how to cooperate with teammates, develop friendships, follow directions and learn about the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.

Emotional Benefits: Some children are a little slower than others in certain areas of emotional growth.  By getting involved in sports children can improve their self-esteem and confidence, lower the chance of depression, relieve stress, have a better body image and increase their self-worth.

Physical Benefits: The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that when kids are involved in regular physical activity their risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity decreases.  With obesity reaching epidemic levels in children, researchers have found that kids involved in sports not only benefit in the development of coordination, balance and agility; but they also tend to be more nutrition-conscious in their food choices.

Psychological Benefits: Sports can add stress to a child life, but through sports kids learn how to deal with competition, handle difficult situations, understand winning and losing, solve problems and develop discipline and patience.  

As you can see, the benefits of sports can trickle over into all areas of a child’s life and help them become better students, leaders and athletes.  By understanding your role as a sports parent and not placing unrealistic pressure and goals on you child, you can aid in their overall quality of life.  Helping kids find a balance in sports and life, will enable them to enjoy the sports they play; instead of making them feel overwhelmed and obligated about the activities they once loved.  If you take the time to get involved and understand what youth sports has to offer and your role as a sports parent; I promise, you and your little Hall of Famer will have a lifetime of memories.