Each week, parents across the country dress their kids in karate uniforms and take them to class. Other parents watch their kids energetically run around soccer fields with other children. If you are wondering which of these popular activities are better for kids, there are a variety of factors to consider.
Exercise
Both karate and soccer can provide exercise for kids. However, each activity offers different types of workouts. If your kids play soccer, they will likely be chasing the ball up and down the field several times each game. The running can give your kids a cardiovascular workout. In karate, students do not typically do a lot of running, but they get more of a total body workout. Along with kicks and punches, karate students also generally do push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks. Both karate and soccer can help your kids avoid putting on too much weight.
Life Skills
Karate and soccer can offer your kids beneficial life skills. Your kids can learn lessons about respect and discipline in karate class. These lessons can make them more respectful toward others and better behaved at home and school. Karate can also teach your kids important self-defense techniques that can help keep them safe in dangerous situations. Soccer can teach your kids about teamwork and cooperation. Soccer players need to work together and pass the ball to score goals. Your kids can learn the importance of sharing and sportsmanship.
Achievement
Your kids can feel a sense of achievement and increased self-esteem if they participate in karate or soccer. In karate, kids work toward earning colored belts. Each belt represents a higher level of achievement. It may take your kids several years to earn a black belt, but it is an extremely prestigious accomplishment. If your kids play soccer, they can experience a sense of accomplishment each time they work with fellow players to score a goal. Your kids may also earn trophies for their soccer endeavors. Getting involved in soccer at a young age may also help kids excel in team sports in high school or college.
Safety
Kids can get injured if they play practically any sport, but under adult supervision, karate and soccer are usually safe activities. If your kids spar with other students in karate class, they may get bumps and bruises. However, young karate students typically wear protective hand, foot, head and chest gear to help them avoid serious injuries. In soccer, wild kicks can cause injuries. Having your kids wear shin pads and mouth guards can help protect them. Protective cups are also recommended for boys in karate sparring and soccer.
Considerations
Choosing the right sport for your kids often depends on their personalities and interests. There are more practical reasons to get your children involved in karate. Karate offers them exercise, life lessons and self-defense training. However, if you feel that your children need to socialize more with other kids, then a team sport like soccer may be best. Another major consideration is your children's definition of fun. If your kids do not have fun while playing a sport, they likely will not want to stick with it.
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