Children and Sports

 From the backyard to the ball field, more American children than ever are playing games and competing in sports.  Millions of boys and girls across the country participate in team sports and recreational sports in school and outside of school. Sports help boys and girls stay fit and healthy. With the right guidance, sports activities can also promote a sense of personal satisfaction in young people.  Parents’ involvement can make a difference in making sports participation a safe and enjoyable experience.

“Sports can be a positive experience for children to build confidence and self-esteem,” says Dr. Bruce Thompson, pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA.  “Parents have the opportunity to model good sportsmanship and celebrate the child’s individual skill development and teamwork, not just winning.”  He encourages parents to measure their child’s success by their enjoyment of sports and by what they learn and how they improve.

Thompson suggests that a young athlete be encouraged to set personal goals and strive to reach them.  His self confidence will grow with rewards for trying hard, or for gaining skills, rather than punishment or criticism for losing. Parent volunteers can be a useful resource to teach one or two skills at practices helping the coach lead the kids toward successfully reaching their personal goals.

It is important, according to Thompson, that children be placed in groups that maintain a narrow range of age levels and degrees of skill. Maturity level is an important factor to consider when placing a child in a sport at a certain level. Thompson says, “ A child should not be pushed into a sport that he or she is not physically or emotionally ready to handle.” At age 5 a child may or may not be ready for teamwork.  At middle school age the less mature child may be put at a disadvantage and may increase his chance for injury.

The risk of injury is present in all sports and parents should be aware of the risks involved with each sports activity. If players wear protective equipment, many sports injuries can be prevented.  Thompson advises, “Parents need to encourage their child to use protective gear and help him understand that it will increase long-term enjoyment of the sport.”

Special attention must be paid to providing adequate drinking and intake of calories while participating in sports. Not only is adequate nutrition necessary to maintain health and to optimize performance, but also to provide for physical growth and development for children. Thompson recommends, “Parents should remind children to regularly drink even when they are not thirsty to prevent dehydration.”

Each young athlete presents a unique picture of health, growth, physical maturity, and knowledge of basic skills. In highlighting a child’s physical strengths and weaknesses, parents can help their young athlete choose the sport that will be most rewarding and then make sure the child gets the best guidance possible.

Also, visit www.sportsparenting.org/csp/.