Encouraging Kids in Sports
We all live in a fast moving digital world. We cannot deny the importance of pace. So what do the kids do when we club office and home space due to time constrain? They too obviously imitate us. The only things they like are fast digital video games. Gone are the days of brick or Mario hand video game. Playstation is their virtual other world where they love to live. But are we not as elders responsible for this. When we are busy we encourage them to play on a laptop rather than take them out in open spaces.
An outdoor sport is anytime beneficial to them. They get fresh oxygen and their brain is activated. Their soft bodies need training and their delicate minds need concentration. When they play games like cricket or football they learn sportsmanship, co-operation, team spirit and tolerance with patience. This leads to increased level of enthusiasm and endurance. He becomes mentally, physically and emotionally strong, this together leads in increased emotional quotient.
Train them early in age. Choose the sport which you kid would be comfortable with and remember do not burden him with scores and wins. He has to enjoy playing sports. This feeling of enjoyment has to be beyond scores and wins. They also have to be taught about the benefits of games, if they are teens.
Tell them to try different games since they lose interest easily; tell them how beneficial long tennis is for ligaments and joints of legs. You may pick up other sports like swimming, which is beneficial for respiration, digestion, wings and arms.
There are other indoor games like carom and chess which improves precision and focus, thus improving cognitive skills. Never force them or criticize them. You too have to join him in his sports if he is too young, as he would not like you to preach him every time. Tell him to compete against himself not anyone else. Tell him to set goals; this will lead to an increased motivation. He shall then become more responsible.
Don’t be too sensitive, even if it’s raining outside half an hour practice won’t harm. Let him face little odds, he shall then value the game as well as his training. This will increase his mental and intellectual strength. He will also become disciplined and punctual, as these values are not nicely taught they are automatically gained by sportsmen. Last but not the least, enjoy spending time with your kids; providing that vital support.
