Have you ever wondered why your does your child often lose interest in their sports over and over again?
– By Song Weijie
Kids typically jump from one sport activity to the other. We as parents, often get confused and frustrated at the same time as all our efforts spent setting up their routines, purchasing the new attires and equipment are now dumped in some corner of the house.
Much like how we will prepare our kids for school by learning the fundamentals for numbers, letters, colours, and shapes, we have often failed to prepare them the same way as sports that can lead to less than ideal outcomes.
While sports are great for social, psychological and emotional development in kids, they often aren’t starting on an equal playing field from a skills perspective.
Uncoordinated kids often become frustrated because they end up not getting as much playing time or just find the overall experience unpleasant due to their deficiencies. This can also lead to frustration for parents and coaches as well.
Here are some tips to help your kids learn more about their sports:
1. Teach them the rules of the game
Rules are an integral part of our lives. It sets the framework for us to live cohesively and respectfully with one another. In sports and games, rules are set to ensure fairness.
Fair play is about learning social rules, like working together, taking turns, developing empathy, and problem solving skills.
Playing fair helps children to enjoy the experience of playing together, an important part of getting along with others. And when children get along well with others, it gives them a sense of belonging and helps them grow and thrive, and enjoy the game.
Through a proper understanding of the rules, kids can also have a better understanding if a result goes against their way and instead work hard to strategies and improve.
2. Attend local games or watch them on television
Attending games are a great bonding activity for the entire family. It is exhilarating for kids to see first hand the excitement and atmosphere of a sporting event, and serves as a great opportunity for them to be inspired and to get up close with their favourite sporting heroes!
Kids also can see, learn and understand better the skills taught during classes and raise their awareness in its applications to improve their game.
And if going to a crowded event is not a current option (due to the current COVID pandemic), families can also enjoy the thrills and excitement of the game on television.
Planning the day in the lead up to a big game on TV, inviting a few close friends and families over also equally engages the family. Adults can also pick up several good pointers, like examples of good sportsmanship, team play, or techniques displayed in the game to share and discuss with the kids.
3. Provide appropriate equipment
Sports equipment should be age-specific. It may include such items as mats, attires, goggles, balls, and rackets. The equipment should properly fit accordingly to the type of sport and age of the child. Sports equipment should also be in good working condition. Any damage should be repaired or the item should be replaced.
Kids generally outgrow their equipment and gears very quickly as they grow taller and stronger. What seem like a never-ending process of constantly purchasing new gears can be a huge consideration for parents.
Thankfully here in Singapore, purchasing affordable and good quality equipment are made much easier here with awesome retailers like Decathlon. they have a wide range of selection for many different sports ranging from golf, soccer, basketball, and even trekking to name a few.
And if you are looking for anything gymnastics specific, Shop@BearyFun Gym, offers a wide selection home-based for you and your family the equipment and gears ranging from gymnastics, and yoga mats, rebounders, blocks and foldable
4. Develop their fundamental movement skills
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are a range of movement patterns that involve coordinating different parts of the body. They include foundational movements like running, jumping, crawling, throwing and catching, and balancing.
A good FMS base is beneficial for kids’ overall development and being able to competently participate in sports. Kids that are proficient movers develop confidence and are more willing to participate in sports and games. This allows your child to get greater enjoyment and benefits out of sports. FMS are also applicable for kids in active learning, daily activities and outdoor recreation, giving the necessary skillsets and confidence to analyse and solve problems.
5. Start gymnastics to learn the fundamentals of body movement and control
Termed as the ”THE MOTHER OF ALL SPORTS”. Gymnastics is one of (if not) the best sport for a comprehensive development in FMS due to the nature of its movements.
Several of the benefits of gymnastics includes building height confidence and efficient jumping mechanics in kids to perform cool moves like a somersault or to jump up for a block shot in basketball and volleyball.
Kids balancing on a balance beam will develop a great sense of body awareness, and balance which helps with their agility and stability in sports in which they weave and turn around opponents in rugby and executing a perfect roundhouse kick in Taekwondo.
Conclusion
Sports serve as a great avenue for kids to grow and develop physical and mentally into strong and healthy individual, and should be an essential part of their development.
Equipping them with the necessary skillsets is crucial to enjoy the full experience of their favourite sport, and to reap the wonderful benefits that come with it.
Most importantly the beliefs and encouragements from their family and coaches gives them the support to hold on when they may face any learning blocks and obstacles along the way. They will find strength in knowing that they are not alone and push on to break any barriers along the way.
”All kids need is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them” – Magic Johnson
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