BEST SPORTS FOR KIDS TO ENGAGE IN THIS YEAR

We are in a generation where our children are living an inactive lifestyle with very minimal or no sort of physical exercise. As if that is not enough, technological advancements and the emergence of the Internet have made our children couch potatoes. Children will wake up, go to school, come back, eat, drink, and spend the rest of the glued onto their technological devices such as smartphones, tablets, and televisions. If they are not doing any of the above, they are asleep.

A few decades ago, childhood involved going out and playing with friends and engaging in various sports. It is the reason why obesity in the younger generation was not as rampant as it is in the 21^st century. As a parent, it is imperative that you limit the time your children spend on these gadgets and make time for various sports. Kids are naturally energetic and this energy needs to be exhausted.

In this article, we are going to look at various sports that your child can engage in.

• Golf

This may come as a surprise to many parents, but golf is one of the best sports your children can engage in. Apart from physical exercise, it teaches children proper etiquette. Furthermore, children as young as 2 years are allowed to play it.

Most golf clubs have a junior and senior section. They also have programs for beginners. Allow your child to partake in this amazing sport and he/she may be next Tiger Woods, bagging uncountable golf trophies, making you proud.

• Football

Football is one of the most popular sports. You can tell by the millions of football fans all over the world. It is also one of the best paying sport if your child happens to pursue it as a career. Children as young as four years can be coached.

What football does to your child is, it teaches them the importance of teamwork, fairness, and discipline. Apart from this, it gives children a good workout. It increases muscles, improves flexibility, coordination, and offers cardiovascular benefits.

• Swimming

Most people go for swimming for recreational purposes. What they do not realize is, swimming is a wonderful sport that has several benefits.

Swimming is a life skill that once learned cannot be forgotten. It offers swimmers a full-body workout and cardiovascular endurance. It also teaches your child breathing control at an early stage. Even more so, it is a fun sport that each family member can engage in.

• Gymnastics

What people love most about the Olympics is watching the kids’ gymnastics. It is a sport that is quickly gaining popularity, especially among kids.

Gymnastics enhances flexibility and balance. It also instills fearlessness in children.

However, for safety purposes, gymnastics must be taught by a trained professional. The trained professional needs to have all the right equipment and they need to be in good shape.

• Running

Marathon races are held now and then. The reason being, more people are running, not for leisure but as a sport.

Running is great for children as it has massive cardiovascular benefits. It is also among the best sports for weight loss or maintenance as well as toning muscles.

This is a no-cost sport. All a kid needs to do is wear comfortable trainers, walk out of the door and run.

• Walking

Walking is not considered a sport but for a parent who is introducing sports to their children, it is best to start by taking walks. This also applies to parents whose children tend to stay indoors.

Walking is a low-impact exercise that provides physical exercise. It is also the perfect way to bond with your children.

Other sports you can introduce to your children include inline skating, basketball, and tennis. However, you should not be limited to the above list. Learn about your kid and know what sport they might be willing to try.

The importance of embedding a culture of sport in your children cannot be over-emphasized. Apart from the physical benefits, sports are known to increase self-esteem, enhance social development and are the perfect diversion from anti-social activities.

Last but not least, most sports have rules. This teaches your young ones to respect protocol and become disciplined individuals.