Playing sports is a big part of many children's lives. Whether it is a team sport such as football or baseball or an individual sport such as tennis or martial arts, a child's desire to play is often evident early on. Although an initial reason for playing may be just because it's fun, children often find that participating has many additional rewards.
New Friends
Kids look for camaraderie, just as adults do. Playing a sport is a good way to meet other kids who are like-minded and share the same interests. Playing in a sport gives a child a way to interact with his peer group, according to the New York University Child Study Center. Many lifelong friendships are founded in the love of a particular sport.
Fun
The main reason that kids play sports is to have fun, according to a 2010 story in the New York Times. If a child does not find the sport she plays enjoyable,she will eventually give it up, says the Ottawa Citizen newspaper.
Sense of Competition
The natural urge to compete is another factor. Healthy competition instills confidence and discipline, and if parents don't push winning too much, kids will develop a healthy respect for competing hard, win or lose.
New Skills
Children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn new skills. When a child sees a sport that piques his interest, the natural tendency is to want to give it a try. Allowing your child to try a new sport will encourage this natural tendency and help him be open to trying new things as he grows older.
Sense of Belonging
Being part of a team help kids feel as though they are a part of something, which results in a sense of belonging. Sports teams experience highs and lows together. Even in an individual sport, the child feels that she is part of a culture.
References
- The Ottawa Citizen: What Motivates Children to Participate in Sport or to Drop Out
- MomsTeam.com: Fun Is Still Number One Reason Kids Play Sports
- NYU Child Study Center: Sports and Kids--Pathway to Healthy Development or to Unhealthy Competition
- New York Times: A Survey of Youth Sports Finds Winning Isn't the Only Thing
