I will be the first one to admit that at one time I didn’t understand the importance of team sports for children. Growing up I wasn’t much of a joiner and definitely did not enjoy team sports.
Having young ones of my own now, my mind has changed and I do see many wonderful advantages to having your child be part of a team. Recently I read an article called “From a Hockey Parent” with really great reasons to put your children in team sports. The article focused on hockey but it applies to most team sports. Some of the points that resonated most with me were:
- It helps them to deal with disappointment. This is so true. Not all children will be the captain but they still need to work hard to be part of the team. Sometimes I feel bad letting my child lose when we play games but I remind myself that this is reality. Once they hit the age that they are old enough to understand rules of games it’s important they lose sometimes. This happens no matter what in team sports – one team wins and one team loses. It helps teach them determination. Everyone has to cope with losing.
- It helps my kids make and accomplish goals. Team sports encourage children to want to get to the next step, and how amazing to see their proudness once they’ve accomplished the goals they set forth. Priceless.
- It will help them learn how to take care of their bodies. Often this is the hardest thing for us to teach our children. Sometimes we forget to lead by example and don’t always consume the healthiest foods and drinks or exercise regularly. Teaching them how to fuel their bodies so they can perform their sport is a great cause and effect way for them to learn about nutrition and strength.
- It will help my children learn how to work with others and be great teammates. This is one of the most important skills kids need for the rest of their lives. For almost all jobs they will require the ability to work as a team. It starts now. This is especially helpful for kids having difficulty meeting new friends. When you’re part of a team you often extend that friendship off the field/rink!
- One of my favourite reasons was this one: I want my children at a rink/field etc. instead of in front of a screen. This is a huge motivator for me, it’s so easy for children to get sucked into television and/or video games instead of being sedentary they can enjoy a sport that will have them in a rink or on a field with other children the same age weekly or more.
I wish I could cite all of the examples given in this article but it would be too long, so for more great reasons to have your child take part in team sports check out:
https://www.facebook.com/gurneeonegoal/posts/from-a-hockey-parentone-of-my-friends-asked-why-do-you-pay-so-much-money-and-spe/1331237246940894/Scroll down until you hit “Hockey Parent”.
I wanted to take a quick moment to say that not all children enjoy being part of a team sport. Some children give team sports a try and for whatever decision decide it’s not for them, that too is to be respected. Forcing our children to continue something for years or seasons that they truly do not enjoy will not help bring out the wonderful qualities I underlined earlier. All we can do as parents is expose them to different experiences, both team sports and individual sports and help them find what suits them best.
Being part of a team has many more benefits, some of which may be different depending on your child and family. Perhaps it’s the only time your child gets out of school time to socialize or maybe it’s a way for them to burn off some extra energy. Regardless, it can be the perfect time to involve the whole family whether it be during practice for the sport, or cheering them on on the sidelines. It can be a great way to bond.
A big shout out to the volunteers at the Shawville RA who organize soccer and baseball as well as parents and coaches who dedicate so much time to hockey for our children. Get on out there this spring, summer and fall and allow your children to experience some team sports.
Until next week.
