While it isn’t uncommon to find a child who doesn’t really like sports, most do. When children participate in sports, they get great exercise and have fun doing it. Many times, sport activities require large groups. In those cases, children get to have fun making new friends and reuniting with old friends. If a child plays their heart out an hour before bedtime, parents are also happy because it usually means their little one will be tuckered out. These are the kids who will sleep through the night! To get children involved in sports, it is important to find a great match. To find a great match, consider their personality, likes, and dislikes. Depending on personality, here are a few sports that may be a good fit for a curious child!
Swimming
If a child naturally prefers flying solo, swimming may be a wonderful possibility. Swimmers come together on a swim team, but the work involved in the sport requires individual strength and follow-through. Take note of a child’s desire to work alone. In addition, if they seem to thrive in an individual setting, they might do well as a swimmer. Swimming is great for heart-pumping cardiovascular activity and it is safe on the joints (even though the joints aren’t of much concern to a six-year old).
Tennis
Tennis is a fun indoor/outdoor sport that can either be played in teams (doubles) or with individuals (singles). Tennis isn’t a sport that is effective alone. For a child who enjoys friendship, or having a best buddy to tag along, tennis might be a great choice. It is also great for strengthening hand and eye coordination because great attention is placed on a forever-moving ball.
Ballet
In the sports world, ballet is slowly but surely receiving recognition as a legitimate sport. There are many injuries ballerinas can suffer, and it requires tons of hard work, so if your kid is willing to put in the work and put on some kinesiology tape for knees, this might be a great match. Personalities that usually take ballet are on the creative side. If the child enjoys choreography and being imaginative, ballet is an awesome sport to choose. Ballet increases flexibility, strength, and breath control. It is a very disciplined sport and this is a trait that is important to instill in children while they are young.
Basketball
Basketball is undoubtedly one of the most loved sports of all. There is a lot of running, coordination, and teamwork involved. Successfully winning a basketball game requires team members who are dedicated to working together for the common goal. If a child always seems to thrive in team settings, consider basketball as a viable option. Teamwork will always be important through life. Basketball gives children the opportunity to learn that lesson in a fun-filled way.
Soccer
Soccer is another great option for children for a few reasons. Oftentimes, kids are all placed on one soccer team, so it is co-ed. Just as women and men learn to work together in different settings, children can do the same. For the child who likes to work or play with everyone, soccer is a happy medium. A girl can play with both her guy friends and her girlfriends on one team. For the child who likes to get dirty, soccer is perfect. There are tons of ways to slide and jump on the field and produce quite an interesting load of laundry.
Gymnastics
Last but not least, gymnastics is a sport that also calls for grace, coordination, and can call for more individual exercises. For the child who loves to tumble on the floor and jump all over the couches and beds, gymnastics is a dynamic opportunity to get that energy out, and can teach children the proper techniques so they don’t injure themselves!
These are just a few of the many, many sports available to children. Continue to search and find which one would be a perfect fit. The ability to exercise and learn life lessons in the process is totally worth the hunt!
