Published in the New York Family Magazine on March 17,2020
As a child of two professional sportspeople, I was taught to love physical activity from a very young age. Sport teaches discipline, coordination, teamwork, and so much more. Kids benefit big time from these new skills, which show in their higher school grades, increased self-esteem, and low levels of stress. What better way to enjoy the warm Spring weather than playing sport with the kids?
Additionally, it’s a great way to keep children active and busy, especially with so many kids wanting to stay inside and play with their electronics. It’s hard to get them moving but try to lure them with these great activities.
Please note that social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis is extremely important and we don’t advise you to participate in sports gatherings. However, we do recognize that keeping your children happy and healthy does involve physical activities. It’s up to each parent to decide what’s best for his/her family.
Baseball
Baseball is still the most well-liked sport in the nation as far as children’s participation is concerned. A recent study revealed that baseball and softball combined are the most popular team sport. From swinging a bat to throwing a ball to racing around the bases, your kid will be in action all the time. Youngsters aren’t born with much hand-eye coordination. They have to learn how to be coordinated, and playing youth baseball is one of the best ways for them to do so.
Softball
Softball offer significant benefits to kids of all ages. There are so many distinct parts in the gam; softball provides full-body conditioning. Children playing the sport will develop their hand-eye coordination and cardiovascular health. The game includes running, swinging, and throwing–making it the ultimate fitness to build muscle strength, build endurance, and more.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is an exciting sport that has its origins in Native American lands. Although it has been around for a while, it was not a popular game a few decades back but is now gaining supporters, especially among the children. Lacrosse is a pleasant game that your little one will fall in love with. It may seem a bit confusing at the start, because of the numerous rules, but it is an extremely enjoyable sport, one that will teach your kid all about team spirit and discipline.
Tennis
Tennis is often neglected as a good sport for kids. But, it has excellent advantages for kids and can be a helpful complement to sports littke ones already play and love. With no team needed, numerous public tennis courts, and children’s rackets and balls that can be bought for a total of under $15.00, tennis is an affordable activity that can be played just about any time your child is ready.
Golf
Golf may not seem as physically challenging as other sports. However, striking a ball so that it flies across a vast field with accuracy is more complicated than it looks. A lot of work is put into making a golfer’s swing perfect. Meantime, golf is an individual sport that gives junior players lots of room for one-on-one mentoring. This allows for a needs-tailored and personalized training for your kid. Additionally, there is no physical contact which means no injuries that are usually associated with contact sports.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a beautiful game for children and grownups. Both boys and girls can play volleyball even in a mixed team because the game is not aggressive. When playing volleyball, kids strengthen their muscles, they enjoy playing the game because it is dynamic, strategic, and, of course, fun. This is an exciting game form associated with a lot of benefits for the entire body, and no clashes with rivals, which makes it an ideal sport for the child.
Soccer
Also known as football in other countries, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Soccer is an excellent exercise that enhances cardiovascular health, improves coordination, increases strength, and enhances flexibility. Players have to work together as a team to be victorious. Teamwork is a skill they’ll need to be successful in school, work, and family! This is particularly relevant for children that are weak in this area. It supports the core muscles, which helps youngsters be more physically ready, thus more healthy!
Basketball
Basketball offers young athletes a lot of advantages like fitness, weight control, coordination, stress relief, and team-building. For mothers looking for a safe and convenient way to get the kids off the video game and push them to be more social, an accessible basketball hoop is a great option. Basketball is a sport that your kid can begin at an early age. Encouraging your growing kid to learn fundamental basketball skills not only promotes activity but also serves as a basis for staying active later in life.
Biking
Bikes and childhood always go hand-in-hand. Remember your kid’s earliest tricycle? Riding a bike is a rite of passage all kids experience. But why does riding a bike is considered mainly as a childhood fun? Biking is a wonderful way to give freedom to your child from an early age throughout adolescence. It provides substantial health benefits—from boosting brainpower to developing their cardiovascular health—but it’s also great for nature and excellent family activity.
Swimming
Swimming is lots of fun for kids because most of they love getting in the water, and those who don’t– learn not to be scared of it. Swimming holds loads of health gains for the child’s body; it keeps your child’s heart and lungs healthy, develops flexibility and strength, builds endurance, and prides for better balance and posture. Additionally, swimming is good kids of any age or ability, and it is the most accessible sport for kids with additional needs.
