Playing sports can help your child realize significant physical, psychological and social health benefits. According to Right to Play, an athlete-centered global humanitarian organization that brings sport and play to children in underprivileged parts of the world, sports and play are essential to your child's healthy physical and psychosocial development. Sports can also help foster peace and understanding, promote active participation and hone your child's decision-making skills.
Physical Health Benefits
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states that your child's participation in sports provides her with short-term and long-term physical health benefits. The short-term benefits of sports participation include improved self-esteem and confidence; higher energy levels; reduced stress, anxiety and mild to moderate depression; reduced body fat and improved weight control; improved blood pressure; increased strength and endurance; and improved bone mineral density. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the long-term physical health benefits of sports participation and exercise for your child include a reduced likelihood that she'll develop numerous chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and hypertension.
Mental Health Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that your child's participation in sports and physical activity can boost her self-confidence and self-esteem and help her realize significant psychological benefits through continued sports participation during adolescence and adulthood. If your child is playing a sport or performing a physical activity that celebrates her talents and abilities, she'll experience a heightened quality of life and realize significant personal growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's important for your child to pursue sports or activities in which the demands do not exceed her cognitive and physical development, as participation in these activities may lead to feelings of failure and frustration. Participation in appropriately selected sports or activities will teach your child how to cope with stress and make decisions, both of which will benefit her during her teenage and adult years.
Social Health Benefits
Your child may experience myriad social health benefits by participating in sports. Sports help expand your child's social network, teach her about the value of teamwork and improve her communication skills. Sports participation can also teach your child about the importance of fair play, how to control her impulses and how to manage success and disappointment. Sports participation can help your child forge long-lasting friendships and help her excel in school. Sports that bring boys and girls together in active play can be beneficial for your child too. Mixed gender athletic activities, if designed properly, can teach girls that they are capable of excelling in physical activity while teaching boys to be encouraging and supportive about girls' participation in sports. Encouraging sports participation and emphasizing the importance of sport participation, rather than winning at all costs, is a constructive way for you help your child experience the social health benefits of sports.
Member Comments