Families around the country commit their evenings and weekends to baseball practice, gymnastics class, and soccer games. Some families commit to years of intense practice schedules and tournaments. Other families eschew organized sports altogether and opt instead for family activities. Choosing organized sports can be a complicated process. Here are some factors to consider as you make this decision for your family.
Benefits
Organized sports carry numerous benefits for the children who participate in them. The players learn both social and physical skills that can benefit them for a lifetime. Organized sports typically emphasize teamwork, perseverance, and hard work. The children practice being kind winners and dealing with disappointment when they lose. At the same time, the children gain physical skills like balance, strength, speed, and endurance. Choosing organized sports has been shown to increase children’s confidence and perseverance in other life situations.
Challenges
While organized sports include many benefits, they bring challenges as well. Many sports are extremely time-consuming, especially if the child continues to participate into elementary school and beyond. Many sports schedules require commitment on four or five days out of the week. This can make it difficult for your child to be involved in anything outside of their chosen sport. Additionally, organized sports can be expensive. The cost of team fees, uniforms, equipment rentals, transportation, etc., builds up quickly and can make organizes sports cost prohibitive. In addition, if your child is sensitive to peer pressure or tends toward perfectionism, organized sports can be stressful in later years as the emphasis switches from learning to performance.
Scheduling
As you consider choosing organized sports, it is important to look closely at your schedule. Consider how much time you can give to an activity, including travel time and preparation. Discuss who will transport your child to and from the activity and how it will affect your mealtimes, bedtimes, and other family time. If the time requirements do not conflict with your family’s priorities, that is a good sign that the sport you are considering may be a good fit.
Your Child’s Interest
While every parent wants their child to be the best version of themselves they can be, it is also easy to impose our own desires and hopes on our children. It is important to consider your child’s interest level in an activity before committing to it. Granted, small children often do not understand what “playing soccer” means. Early childhood is a great opportunity to allow your child to try many varied activities to discover his natural talents and proclivities. However, if your child desperately wants to take gymnastics, it may be worth investing some time in exploring his request.
Maturity
Some children are prepared for organized sports at an earlier age than others. For example, there are children who can listen, cooperate, and participate completely at age three, while other children develop these skills a year or two later. Most sports organizations that offer programs for preschoolers expect this range of ability. However, if your child’s age or temperament makes you think that they may struggle to participate, it may be best to wait until next season.
Other Family Needs
Choosing organized sports for one of your children affects the whole family. If you have other children, you have other needs you must factor into your decision-making process. Does big brother’s practice fall right in the middle of the baby’s naptime? Or will little sister’s game make it difficult to pick up big brother from his scout meeting? The same is true with parents who need to balance their own schedules with work, hobbies, and other commitments. Financial commitments are also a consideration, since your budget may not allow for organized sports at this time.
Organized sports can be a wonderful opportunity for your family. Your child will learn new skills, both physical and social, while making friends and gaining confidence. At the same time, if your child isn’t ready for or isn’t interested in organized sports, it might be wise to wait and see if she expresses interest later. Are you looking for childcare in a facility where your child will learn to play well with others, persevere, and grow in maturity? Please consider Legacy Academy Smyrna. Call or visit today to learn more.
