Why Is Sport So Important For Children?
Sport for children is part of a good upbringing . Physical and psychological development go hand in hand. That is why an active childhood supports healthy growth.
Sport offers children more than entertainment. Doctors and psychologists confirm that children who are physically active are better off.
The positive effects of sport are lasting. Sporty children usually become active adolescents and stay active and flexible even in old age. On the other hand, it becomes more difficult to get used to a sport with increasing age.
Sport protects against many health risks. One reason for this is to avoid sitting too long. This significantly reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and heart disease.
UNESCO and sport for children
According to UNESCO, children have the right to exercise. The organization emphasizes that every child must have the opportunity to participate in sport. And that without any discrimination.
Governments and other organizations should introduce children to sport.
The benefits of exercise for children:
- It promotes physical health. Exercise prevents diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
- It supports the development of the muscles. It also strengthens the bones.
- Relationships with other people in sport are also important. Through playing sport, children learn to adapt to social norms. Although they also learn that at home, the environment is different here.
- Sport promotes the development of social skills. A child learns to interact with others here. Social, cultural and economic distinctions are left out. What children also learn through sport is cooperation. Teamwork and sport belong together.
- He helps children overcome personal hurdles. An example of this is shyness.
- Sport strengthens self-confidence. This is how children experience their worth. They realize that their participation and contribution to a team is important.
- Sports activities discourage children from a sluggish lifestyle. In addition, it limits the occupation with technology. Exercise contrasts well with passive activities like watching TV, playing video games, and the like.
Additional advantages:
- Exercise is also a great way to be more inclusive. This is how children with diverse abilities come together.
- Sport is also a good remedy for typical problems in youth. Children who exercise are less prone to drug and alcohol abuse. They also smoke less. They are also less likely to commit criminal acts.
- Sport also promotes creativity and the ability to solve problems.
- Furthermore, through sport, children learn what values such as responsibility mean.
- They also notice that what has been started also wants to be completed.
Sports by age
As children grow, they find that the body and mind sometimes have different needs. This is an aspect that needs to be considered when choosing a sport.
The child’s opinion is important. The family can work together to create a list of options. This should also suit their financial capabilities. In addition, the time required and the organization naturally play a role.
- 3 to 5 years . During this time it should be a sport with a lot of exercise. Children learn a lot through play. Therefore, the activity a child chooses should also include recreational aspects. Stories or costumes can stimulate a child’s imagination.
3 to 5 years is an appropriate age at which you can train your coordination and balance. It should be 3 to 4 hours of physical activity every week.
Sport at any age!
- 6 to 10 years. During this phase, a child should have the opportunity to try different sports. Then it can decide which one it likes best. Judo, karate, cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, tennis, soccer, basketball, and volleyball are all good options.
What shouldn’t be in the foreground in sport is competition. It is true that there must and will be a winner. But just to get started, children should perceive the sport they do as a leisure activity.
- Puberty and adolescence. This is a phase in which radical changes take place. This applies to the body and the psyche.
Sport allows children to develop their personality optimally during this time. It strengthens their self-confidence. And especially in a phase in which your body is changing significantly, you learn to cope better with it.
Children should do sports from an early age. You can also try different sports initially. Then later you can decide on a sport and deepen it.
security
Safety must come first. It is about the physical safety of the children as well as about the sporting instruction.
It is important to know basic concepts about sport and your physical condition. Being aware of the risk factors will help prevent children from injuring themselves.
