How Does Exercise Keep Kids Out Of Trouble?

A child who has too much energy, too much aggression and is generally distracted is often labeled a "problem child," especially in formal education settings. Although it's true that some children are generally more high maintenance than others, sports and exercise could be the answer. Exercise and sports offer proven benefits for children who have disorders, such as attention deficit disorder, or ADD; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD; and depression, while benefiting children who need a social outlet and better confidence.

Social Interaction

If your child has trouble making new friends or socializing with children his own age, exercise could help him develop healthy relationships. Playing team sports with other children creates an instant bond of camaraderie among players while giving your child a chance to interact with adult authority figures in an appropriate manner. Exercising informally with friends allows your child to think of original ways to play and how to properly treat friends with care and sportsmanship.

Confidence and Self-esteem

Confidence and self-esteem issues can be a catalyst for other problems, such as social anxiety, depression and bullying. Whether your child is self-conscious of her body or her abilities, exercise can allow her to feel better about herself and gain confidence from learning new skills and honing current skills. Whether it's through a team or individual sport or hiking with the family, exercise has the power to transform a child's opinion of herself to reduce issues in other areas of her life.

Depression and Mood

Exercise has the power to protect your child's mental health by elevating his mood and warding off depression. Indiana University psychologist Jack Raglin notes that when time is made for exercise and play, it can have the same depression-busting qualities for children as it does for adults. The trick is to give your child time to exercise when overscheduled. Even with a busy schedule, it's imperative that your child get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to protect their mental and physical health.

Attention Span

Exercise offers specific benefits for children with ADHD. Children with ADHD are often misunderstood, which can lead to negative attention from peers and teachers. A study published in a 2010 issue of "ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders" found that children with ADHD had longer attention spans immediately after participating in physical activity. This could be a solution for a child who has trouble focusing in class or at home.