Incorporating sports into your child’s life is an excellent idea as there are significant advantages your child can gain from being involved. The truth is that not all kids may enjoy sports since their interests may lie in other activities. However, the challenge usually comes in choosing the right sport for your child if they are interested. Like all other decisions, you take on behalf of your children, choosing the right sport is just as important. So, how can you go about making the right choice? Here are a few things you should consider.
Expose your child to several sports
The best way you can be sure you are making the right choice is by having a lot to choose from! By exposing your child to a wide range of sports, such as bjj training for kids, you help create various experiences for them. This goes a long way to help them discover the sport in which their interests lie. You do this by simply giving them information on sports you are knowledgeable about. For example, if you know all about rugby or soccer, you can share this information with your child to perk up their interest. Watching various matches and tournaments is also a great way to expose them to multiple sports. Doing so would also help you decipher the ones they like and dislike.
Look out for signs of enthusiasm
Perhaps, your child is already interested in a specific sport. To be sure of this, you would have to be mindful of the sports they seem to be enthusiastic about. Children tend to express their interest in something by talking about it. A lot! Listen to your children talk to figure out which sports they prefer. They may speak excessively about plays, strategies or follow games closely. They may also form bonds with other children who play that sport or share an interest in it. However, you would need to be flexible in this regard. This is because your child may express interest in a “non-traditional” sport such as mixed martial arts or gymnastics. Whatever sport they show interest in, find ways to support and encourage them.
Consider your child’s physical traits
Is your child tall? Perhaps they have long legs? Or, are they stout? Your child’s physical appearance can play a role in what sports they could enjoy playing. For example, your slim and short child may be better off being into athletics or basketball. However, do not let their physical attributes hinder them from participating in sports they are interested in. You should also consider their skills, strength, and temperament. These attributes would be a significant determinant of whether your child should join individual or group sports, the nature of the sports they would excel in, or their overall attitude towards a sport.
Although you want to help your child make the right choice, it is vital to offer support than to force them to join a sport. Therefore, use these factors to hear your child out and not force them.
