Just like trying new foods, children may become nervous or irritable when suggesting they try a new sport. In most cases, a child's nervousness may result from not understanding the rules of the game or fear of not being good at it. Some children also may have experienced an upsetting moment while playing sports at the gym or after school, which may make them nervous.
Step 1
Determine if the parents of your child's friends also are interested in signing up their children for the sport, or encourage your child to make new friends before the start of practice, a game or season. Introduce the kids to each other or go to a game or practice together with their friends.
Step 2
Explain how the game is played, as well as other important aspects of the sport. Keep the descriptions and the language kid-friendly to prevent further confusion, hesitation or nervousness.
Step 3
Choose a sport that focuses more on learning new skills and less on competition or winning. This will lessen pressure on your child, as well as help parents, coaches and other team members.
Step 4
Purchase new equipment. Children are naturally inclined to want to learn how to play with their new basketball, football or other apparatus.
Step 5
Practice with your child. Throw a football around or practice soccer drills. Easing your child's fears of not being good at a sport may reduce anxiety, boost skills and increase self-esteem and the ability to play as part of a team.
Step 6
Take the child to a game or practice. Let her see for herself the game in action, as well as how much fun the game is. Interact with parents and kids afterwards to get a better feel for the sport.
Step 7
Try different sports. Perhaps your child has a knack for pitching a baseball or enjoys skateboarding. See what sports interests him.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider other, non-team sports, such as karate, or other nontraditional sports, such as cheerleading.
- Speak to your child's doctor if your child shows sign of extreme irritability among peers or would rather be alone.
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