Why should a child play sports? Today I decided to share a little more on the topic of Sport and Children. As a wife, mother of two boys and a working woman, I know how hectic our daily lives are and how many commitments and tasks we have. Sometimes it feels like we have no time for anything, much less sport. Sports have proven to be a great strength for our family, first I started, then my husband joined in, and then the kids joined in.
Why?
I decided to write this article because every day in my work with children who are often sick, I see how drastic the difference is between children who play sports and those who do not. Both physically and health-wise, emotionally and mentally. Children who have regular physical activity are much healthier, much more vital, much more emotionally balanced and much happier.
I also want to share with you a time saving trick. The whole family can play sports together, it’s a creative and very practical idea. So on the one hand we spend quality time with our children, and on the other the whole family is active. These can be all sorts of activities like walking, cycling, ball games, fedeball and whatever else you can think of, the important thing is to have fun.
Sport is not only an activity, it is also the key to healthy development and well-being of our children. As a nutritionist and mother of two wonderful children, I understand how important it is to instill a love of movement from an early age. In this article, I want to share why it is essential for a child to exercise, what the benefits are and how we can support them in this process.
Why should a child play sports? Healthy development
A child’s body is like a sponge, ready to absorb everything new and useful. Sport not only strengthens the muscles and heart, but also helps the body’s coordination, balance and flexibility. Regular physical activity stimulates bone development and helps achieve a proper foundation, which is essential for the future health of our children.
Why should a child play sports? Children’s physical health and fitness
Sport is a powerful tool for keeping children physically healthy and fit. Regular physical activity not only improves their fitness but also plays a key role in the development of their muscles, bones and cardiovascular system.
Improve cardiovascular function
Sport, as a source of physical activity, plays an important role in improving cardiovascular function in children. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscles and improves blood circulation. This reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and keeps the heart in a healthy state.
Development of muscle mass and strength
Sport stimulates the development of muscle mass and strength in children. Regular muscle training helps strengthen and grow muscles while improving muscle tone and functionality.
Bone and musculoskeletal strengthening
Sport is an excellent way to strengthen children’s bones and musculoskeletal system. Regular physical activity stimulates bone growth processes, making them more resistant and resilient to trauma and injury.
Improving flexibility and coordination
Sport helps improve children’s flexibility and coordination. Different sports activities require different movements and techniques that stimulate the development of flexibility and coordination of their body.
Why should a child play sports? Maintaining a healthy weight
Sport is the key to maintaining a healthy weight in children. Regular physical activity helps to burn excess fat and maintain a healthy metabolism. This helps prevent obesity and related health problems.
If you find the topic of childhood obesity interesting, you can also take a look at the Btv Big Kids report I had the pleasure to participate in. Or watch the YouTube video
Improving general health
Sport improves the general health of children by strengthening their immune system and improving sleep quality. Regular physical activity helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improving children’s mental well-being.
Why should a child play sports? A healthy spirit in a healthy body
As parents, we are aware of the link between physical activity and our children’s mental health. Sport not only provides physical benefits, but also improves mood, reduces stress and aids concentration and cognitive ability. Children who play sports regularly have better self-esteem and higher self-discipline.
Social skills and team spirit
Sport is an ideal opportunity for our children to learn important social skills. By participating in team sports, they learn valuable lessons about cooperation, mutual aid and shared purpose. They learn to be part of a team and take responsibility for both their successes and failures. These skills are essential not only in sport but in life.
How to support our children?
As parents, we play a key role in motivating and supporting our children to be active. Here are some simple ways we can encourage them:
- Let’s be an example: if we want our children to love sport, let them see that we practice it ourselves. Be active with them.
- Creating an exciting environment: encourage your children to choose a sport they enjoy and find inspiring. Let’s not force them, but rather encourage them to try different activities until they find one that gives them pleasure.
- Encouraging participation, not just winning: the important thing is not just to win, but to participate. We can praise their efforts and commitment regardless of the results.
- We can create a regular schedule of physical activity: incorporating sports into our family’s daily routine. Creating time for outdoor play, family walks or participation in sports classes.
In conclusion, sport is an investment in the health and happiness of our children. As parents, let us be their biggest supporters and motivators in this journey towards an active and healthy lifestyle. Let’s walk this path together and inspire them to enjoy every moment of it!
Let’s take a look at 50 benefits of sport for children
We created this article with a lot of enthusiasm, we hope we have managed to convey it to you and “infect” you with it!
Geri from Naturalno
I’m also sharing a tried and true working combination for little Champions: