Introducing your child to sports can begin a lifelong affinity for fitness, teamwork and sportmanship. With so many sports to choose from, finding one that fits your child's interests and abilities is within reach. Many kids thrive in a team setting, while others prefer sports that focus on the individual. Consider your child's personality, attention span and coordination level when selecting a sport, the Mayo Clinic website recommends.
Soccer
Soccer and other organized sports are a good choice for children as young as 6 years old, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes. By that age, many children are coordinated enough to run, kick a ball and follow basic directions from a coach. While soccer games at this age tend to feature children flocking around the ball, young athletes begin to learn the idea of teamwork. Because soccer requires only a ball and a large open space, it is an ideal first choice for kids new to sports.
Swimming
Swimming, an individual and a team sport, provides lifelong fitness with minimal risk of injury. Athletes get a psychological boost from winning a race or from setting a personal best time in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Relays allow children to see teamwork in action, and individual event points add up for an overall team victory. Unlike many other sports, team swimming require a large number of members, giving high-school athletes a better chance to make the cut.
Baseball
Parents who fondly remember their own Little League baseball games often choose to give their kids a similar opportunity. Whether your child is a home-run hitter or a sporadic fielder, he will learn valuable lessons at the ballpark. Parents and coaches should avoid a "win at all costs" mentality that creates an unhealthy playing experience for children, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's website. Encouraging your ball player and modeling good sportsmanship will go a long way in building kids' character and confidence.
Track and Cross Country
Children naturally love to run, and if their hearts are in it, will excel with practice and training. Some elementary and middle schools offer track programs, and formal competition accelerates at the high-school level. Running requires a supportive shoe that fits the child's foot well. Parents should scout out optimal places for their children to train, and consider running or biking alongside them for support and safety. Like many sports, track and cross country also require discipline, mental toughness, proper nutrition and dedication.
