In What Ways Is Knowing How To Play A Sport Beneficial?

Knowing how to play a sport can contribute significantly to a child's physical and emotional development. It isn't only about athleticism. Working toward a shared objective is a valuable skill both on and off the playing field. Allow your child to choose the athletic activity she enjoys most. If a child does not enjoy playing on a multi-player team, introduce her to more solitary sports like golf or tennis. Make sure to get your physician's go-ahead before enrolling your child in a strenuous physical activity.

Building Self-Esteem

Scoring goals in hockey or pinning opponents to the wrestling mat may not seem like valuable skills outside of the athletic arena, but the pride that players take in their achievements can widely impact their everyday experiences. Playing sports helps build a more confident self-concept. According to a 2009 article in, "Psychology of Sport and Exercise," the length of time that children spent on sports correlated with higher self-esteem.

Reducing the Risk of Chronic Disease

Playing sports in childhood and adolescence may be beneficial in ways that will not be apparent until adulthood. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, participation in sports may help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Sports participation increases bone mineral density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis; helps prevents obesity, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease -- and reduces blood pressure. The greatest benefits of playing sports accrue in people who don't stop playing after high school. Continuing to be active throughout adulthood is key.

Teaching Competition

Caroline Payne and Kate Fogarty of the Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at Florida Cooperative Extension Service note that team sports in a supportive atmosphere help young people learn about the realities of competition. Competition is a fact of life, impacting work, career and playing a large role in what many people define as success. According to the authors, sports participants fare better in various competitive areas of life than non-participants. Don't take it too far, however. Young children who engage in highly competitive sports activities, such as those that require team travel, may learn to value competitiveness over cooperation.

Overall Health

The positive benefits of exercise are among the most compelling reasons to playing sports. Payne and Fogarty state that those who do not play sports are less likely to describe themselves as being in good physical shape than their sports-playing peers. Young people who play sports are also more likely to choose healthy, nutritious foods, making a further contribution to their overall health status.