Most parents introduce their children to at least one outdoor sport to encourage physical activity and keep them fit. Especially in this digital age, it’s becoming more important than ever to get your child to explore the outside world! Plus, getting them to like sports is great for their physical and mental health; instilling the habit of playing a sport from an early age helps them develop a healthy lifestyle over time. Playing a sport also aids the development of social skills and discipline in the child.
However, some kids may not show any interest in sports despite all your efforts. If this worries you, do not try to force a sport upon the child. There are many ways to encourage kids to play and enjoy sports, though making them participate against their will is not one of them.
Why isn’t my child interested in sports? There’s no definite answer to that question, and it’s not the end of the world if your kid refuses to take part in any sport. Every child is not the same, yet most of the time a child disapproves of a sport it’s because it’s seemingly boring to them.
Here are five ways to make sports appealing to your child
Create Hype around Sports Events
Watching popular sports events like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals live on TV with the entire family has always been a treasured tradition in my home. We would prepare for the big night in advance and cancel all other plans to sit together and watch the show. All-inclusive Cox Bundles never let us miss a game or settle for low-quality streaming.
Streaming the game in high resolution makes it larger than life, and kids love that. A high-speed internet connection and cable TV package from a reliable service provider like Cox is just what you need. Turning sports events into a special occasion to rejoice with the family is a nice way to add an element of fascination to it.
The more hype you create around these events, the better the chances of getting the kid excited about the sport. Allow the child to understand the game, so he/she gets involved and follows every move. If they’re confused by the gameplay, explain it to them in simple words.
Turn it into a Regular Family Activity
Kids are influenced by the words and actions of the people that surround them.
If you want your children to lead an active lifestyle, set an example. Being lazy and fiddling with your gadgets all day won’t do the trick. Take your kids out to play a sport as often as you can; make it a weekly thing if doable. Turn the sport into a family activity where everyone gets to bond with one another.
Be the best coach your child could have; your eagerness to play and teach is likely to draw them into the sport. Don’t hesitate to bend the rules of the game to make it more entertaining. Let the sport be an excuse to spend time together and make the most of it.
Give the Live Experience
If the above methods don’t prove to be enough, go even bigger.
Nothing gets people more excited than watching a game in person. Sitting in an arena, surrounded by crazy sports fans is likely to put one in the mood. Let your child absorb the enthusiasm of a live crowd and witness the greatness of the sport.
You can make the experience even better by inviting a friend of theirs. Tell your child about your favorite team, explain how the game works, and let your excitement show. The lively atmosphere at packed sports stadiums is contagious, so let them get infected!
Let the Kid Choose
Just because you’re a diehard fan of baseball doesn’t mean that your kid should be too. When you’re trying to motivate a child to get into sports, present as much variety as you can, if baseball doesn’t impress him/her, introduce them to basketball, volleyball, and all other sorts of outdoor sports.
If your child is intrigued by a different sport, support them in the venture instead of imposing the sport of your choice. Letting the kid follow their passion will greatly improve their self-esteem, whereas pressuring them into something they don’t like can make them unhappy and insecure.
Keep it Fun
The purpose of playing a sport should be staying active and having fun while you’re at it. Taking a sport too seriously and pushing the child to master it can be frustrating for them. Don’t attempt to make a sports champion out of your kid because it’s impractical and unfair.
Being competitive during the game is a good thing, but not when it comes in the way of having a good time. Let your kid win some and lose some; let them know that the outcome doesn’t matter as long as they enjoy playing.
Wrapping Up
If your child has rejected multiple sports, observe and comprehend their penchants. Participate in activities they prefer, and then ask them to accompany you in playing a sport. Be their cheerleader in whatever sport they choose, and don’t make a big deal about winning or losing.