Team Sports...

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Encouraging A Child to Participate

Team sports provide children of all ages a number of benefits. Participation in team sports increases self-esteem, improves coordination and overall health, and teaches children how to work well with others. Some children, however, have no interest in team sports - or any sports at all. If you are a parent of one of these children, you are likely wondering if there is anything that you can do to increase your child’s interest and encourage him to participate.

You need to realize that it is not necessary for a child to join a team sport in order to become fit or develop the skills needed to work and play well with others. However, if your child is reluctant to engage in team sports, there may be a larger issue lurking that requires attention. Many factors might be contributing to your child's disinterest in team sports and activities, including a fear of competition, low self-esteem, stage fright, depression, and problems with peers.

You should speak with your child about his reluctance to join a team, and work with him to develop a solution to any problems that might exist. If your child is worried about not being able to perform well, or is concerned that his performance might let other team members down, you can develop a strategy to improve your child's basic skills and improve his self-confidence. Practice with your child in your backyard or at the park, and be certain to provide lots of positive reinforcement. You need to be careful that your praise is warranted, however. Encouraging your child to develop an inflated view of his skill level will result in even greater frustration and disappointment he is faced with reality.

If your child's problem is due to anxiety or stage fright, it is extremely important not to pressure him and aggravate the problem. Explain to your child that team sports should be about fun and fitness, and that making an error or missing a goal is not the end of the world. Encourage your child to play sports casually with other children in your neighborhood, and take him to watch games in your town. This will allow your child to see that other children make mistakes, and reduce your child’s fear of being ridiculed for a less than perfect performance.

If your child is disinterested in sports due to depression, other symptoms will likely be present. A lack of interest in most activities, or a sudden loss of interest in activities that your child once found pleasurable, are warning signs of depression. If these symptoms apply to your child, or your child seems withdrawn, has trouble sleeping, or exhibits any other signs of depression, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Speak with your pediatrician about receiving a full evaluation of your child's mental and physical health.

It is important to remember that all children are different, and it might just be that your child genuinely has no interest in team sports. If that is the case, attempt to determine what interests your child does have, and then encourage him to further develop those skills. Your child can still develop a healthy mind and body even without participating in team sports. Swimming, gymnastics, dance, and martial arts are all extremely healthy activities that a child can do alone.

To improve the fitness level of the entire family, take up bike riding or jogging together. Not only will the entire family benefit physically from the increased activity, you will have the opportunity to spend increased quality time together.

by Sketcham