There are multiple benefits to your kids playing sports, as long as they’re safe. On the soccer field, in the gymnasium, or on the basketball court, your sons and daughters can develop coordination, build stamina and strength, and learn how to be team players. These are all valuable gains that carry over into many areas of their lives. While they’re playing, however, it’s important to protect them from injuries. Children’s bodies are more susceptible to damage than adults’ because they’re still growing. Here are some ways to minimize the risks to your kids’ muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
Protective Gear
Make sure your child has durable, safety-tested protective gear that’s the right size for his or her body. For example, if your offspring is a wrestler, you want to protect his head and ears by purchasing wrestling headgear and ear-guards. These are extremely important safeguards against injury on the mat.
Playing Fields
The fields or flooring where your child’s athletic events take place must be well maintained and safe. As many as 200,000 injuries happen on ill-maintained grounds. Make sure that there are no uneven surfaces, such as ruts, holes, or dips that could cause players to stumble and fall. If running is a part of the sport, make sure surfaces are forgiving, to protect against shin splints and other high-impact injuries.
Warm-ups
Stretching to warm up muscles, ligaments, and tendons should be a regular part of your young athlete’s routine and become a habit to last him or her a lifetime. Establishing a solid warm-up practice can go a long way in avoiding injuries.
CPR and First Aid
The adults and coaches who are in charge of athletic events or teams of players should be trained in CPR and/or first aid. There should also be an emergency plan ready, should the need arise. A fully stocked first-aid kit should be on the premises at all times. When signing your youngster up for sports, choose leagues and organizations that focus on safety and prevention.
Weather
Notice the weather and make sure your son or daughter dresses accordingly. If it’s cold, have your young athlete wear multiple layers of clothing that can be taken off as necessary. Sunscreen should be worn on cloudy days, as well as sunny days, to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Participating in sports can be a wonderful way for your child to grow and develop as a confident individual. He or she will learn lessons that can last a lifetime. When you pay attention to safety, you cut down on risks, and maximize the benefits for your kid.
