With a staggering 17 percent of children aged 2 to 19 considered obese in the United States, according to 2011 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's painfully obvious that a large portion of American teens don't get the physical activity they need. As a parent, it's your responsibility to equip your teens with the tools and knowledge both to embrace and enjoy physical activity. Sports are an excellent way for your teen to stay fit; your attitude toward game play can help or hurt your child's motivation and love of the game.
Step 1
Allow your teen to choose the sport of his choice. While you have your own favorites and might hope he follows in your footsteps, allowing him to make the final selection ensures that he's investing both his and your time — and perhaps money — in a sport he truly enjoys and will stick with over time. Forcing him to play a sport could mean endless arguments, foot-dragging and unhappiness.
Step 2
Offer your teen feedback after the game. Even if her team loses, you should be able to choose two or three things she did well, such as passing, handling a ball or making smart plays. While not all teens will be the star players on their teams, you make your teen feel proficient when you notice her effort.
Step 3
Encourage your teen specifically. Some teens play sports because they're competitive; others prefer the social aspect; still others like sports because they're action-packed. By specifically encouraging your teen, you help him see the reasons for his participation. For instance, "I'm glad you've met new friends playing basketball," would be appropriate for a teen who enjoys the social aspect of sports.
Step 4
Make playing sports easy for your teen by lending your support. If your teen has to play in a tournament which requires parental travel, ensure that you do so willingly. Dragging your feet or complaining about the cost or distance involved in playing a particular sport could make your teen feel guilty and prone to leaving the sport due to time constrains and inconvenience.
Step 5
Ensure your teen's enjoyment by making sports as stress-free as possible. While it's tempting to yell and coach from the sideline, observe proper etiquette and give input only when asked. Avoid talking down to your teen, nagging or berating him over the way she plays — focusing instead on the enjoyment and excitement she feels when she plays.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity Rates Among All Children in the United States
- Institute for the Study of Youth Sports; Research in Youth Sports: Critical Issues Status; Ryan Hedstrom & Daniel Gould; Nov. 1, 2004
- President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; Motivating Kids in Physical Activity; September 2000
- Rutgers University; Youth Sports Research Council: The Role of Winning in Youth Sports; David A. Feigley, Ph.D.
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