The benefits of having your kids play sports are well documented: It keeps them physically fit and active, encourages sportsmanship and team play, and teaches them some valuable skills. But the advantages don't stop there; keep in mind that every minute he is playing sports is a minute that could be spent doing something far less productive. Many sports provide valuable avenues for keeping your kids out of trouble.
Boxing/Martial Arts
Although signing up your trouble-prone kids for these sports might seem counterintuitive, disregard that notion. Oftentimes aggressive youths need outlets for their emotions, and combat sports provide an excellent venue that is controlled, supervised and officiated. They are not for every kid, but don't fret about boxing lessons or a judo class. Your kids will likely come through with a much better grasp of their body and their aggression.
Gymnastics
One of the most time-consuming activities, gymnastics prizes individual commitment as well as familial support (translation: be prepared for plenty of driving to and from practice). Because many of the skills and routines are unique to the sport, kids have to devote many hours to learning and refining techniques and muscles. Add tournament travel and a combination of training programs, and your kid will be too heavily invested to stray from the path.
Swimming
As is the case with gymnastics, swimming requires young athletes to take exceptional care of their bodies to handle the rigors of the sport. Many swimmers have personal coaches who function as an additional parent, making sure their lieges take good care of themselves. Plus, it's a lot easier to hold your older kids to their curfews--swim practices are notorious for being held at the crack of dawn.
Equestrian/Dressage
One of the best ways of teaching your kids responsibility is trusting them with the care of their own athletic compatriot; in this case, a horse whose needs must be tended to constantly. Your youngster will only be able to find success in equine-related sports if they are willing to devote time, energy, and compassion towards a horse, and such commitments can be extremely valuable.
Hockey
Of all the team sports, hockey may privilege teamwork more so than any other. Unless your kid is Wayne Gretzky, it's awfully difficult to succeed in hockey without chemistry and understanding among teammates, ideas that can extend beyond the rink. While hockey has a reputation for roughness, fighting tends to occur properly within the ebb and flow of the game, and hockey players are generally some of the most humble athletes out there.
