How do I encourage my child towards sports?

Sports and physical activities are important for the well-being of your child. These activities not only keep your child healthy and active but also encourage learning. In modern times, when technology has taken over almost everything, it has become extremely difficult for parents to motivate their children to play outdoor games. With modern gadgets and excessive screen time, children have become lethargic and are simply not interested in physical games.

In this article, parents will find the answers to most of the questions that pop up in their minds.

Why do children lose interest in physical games?

The first question that comes to the minds of parents is, “how is it possible that my child is nor interested in games?” Well there are numerous answers to this question.

Parenting is not an easy job. Sometimes, parents fail to understand that pressurizing their child towards sports will not end up building interest for games in their child. They are simply turning them away from it. It is important to understand your child.

Another reason for driving them away from sports is that we tend to forget that kids are kids. Playing should not turn into an activity where children are not free to practice or explore it. We, parents are sometimes so concerned about the performance of our children that we forget that enjoyment is more important than securing a position.

Physical activities should always be about enjoyment, fun, and spending a quality time. Enforcing something on your child will not drive him or her towards it but in the opposite direction.

How can you motivate them into playing sports?

Be their role model

Remember, kids are very observant. If they see you lying around on your sofas busy scrolling through the screen, they will end up doing so. It is important that you set a good example for them. Start by valuing sports. Go for runs, or join any club. You may also have a family sport to involve all the members of the family. There are many sports like tennis, soccer, basketball. one sport a month and try playing that with your child. See which sport interests your child the most.

Sports is about fun

Everyone has a list of responsibilities already set on their shoulders. Children do not enjoy sports if  it is made a chore. Let sports be about fun, laughter, and enjoyment. Watch sports with your children. Children often develop interest only by watching a certain sport. Try to be encouraging while playing with your child. Do not be rigid or strict if your child does not want to learn a particular sport. Keep the environment light and comfortable for them. Provide them the space to learn and explore.

Let your child pick a game

Allow your child to pick any sport that he or she enjoys rather than forcing your choice on them. Read them about the particular sport. Show them that you too are interested in that sport. Make it all about their choice and liking. Kids tend to develop interest when they see that their parents are involved in activities with them.

Encouragement

An important element that inculcates physical activities in children is encouragement. Even if your child does not secure any position on sports’ day, try encouraging them on their performance. Cheer for your child when he or she is on the racetrack. Encouragement from parents does wonders.

Have a family event

Children like it when the entire family is involved in an activity. Have a sports gala in the backyard. Make it a family event. Bring in some prizes. Make it interesting for your kids. List down different games and involve your children into playing them. Have small competitions. Make it all about family time. Invite friends or family along with their children to make it even more appealing.

As parents, we cannot force our children into sports but we can always provide them enough opportunities to develop an interest.