Above all it must be the child, within limits, who is in charge of choosing the sport or sports that he is going to practice.
Among other benefits, sport helps children to integrate more socially and acquire fundamental values, as well as collaborate in the proper development of their bones and muscles.
WHAT SPORT DO I CHOOSE?
We must let the child choose the sport that he likes. It is normal that they are sometimes influenced by their friends or by an athlete that comes out in the media. Parents can help guide them, taking into account some variables: the child's preferences, character, age, physical fitness, schedules, etc. But always letting it be the child who finally chooses among the possibilities that it has. It has to take into account the child's preferences, character, age and physical fitness.
You have to consider what will be best for the child, whether an individual sport or a team sport. A shy child, for example, can benefit from a team sport that helps him relate to his peers; On the contrary, a very active child can benefit from an individual sport that helps him to concentrate.
It is also important to keep in mind that children need time to develop certain skills. In this case, the competition can exert too much pressure on them. Therefore, we must prioritize the fun in front of the demand.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATING CHILDREN
Motivation is a set of cognitive, psychological and physiological processes that influence the way one acts in a given situation. The motivation of the child will be influenced by several factors: internal (or personal, such as temperament) and external (situational).
In sport, motivation is fundamental because it determines, to a large extent, the attitude of the child, the relationship between the team members, the way of practicing the sport and the results obtained. It will be fundamental the behavior of the parents and the coach to help the child to be motivated, since they are the people that can most influence him in this field.
COACH
Most of the learning we do in life is through observation. The children will look at the significant people who are near, these will be the mirrors in which to look. The figure of a coach will be a very attractive model to watch and learn. The coach's performances will be a reference for children
The actions of the coach will be a reference for children. The students perceive what the coach does and says and they will tend to imitate him. The link established by both will be decisive for the performance and motivation of the child, this will learn in part to see himself as an athlete, as his coach sees him.
PARENTS
They are a key figure for the correct formation of the child. Your attitude will be as important as that of the coach and can help in different ways:
Respecting the role of the coach and facilitating their work. Reviewing the expectations they have about their children in sports. Parents can let themselves be carried away by their own motivations or frustrations, wanting to win at all costs, for example, and thus leaving aside the needs of their child. Putting interest in the sport that the child has chosen, accompanying him to the training, going to see him in the matches ... Paying attention to his behavior, always taking into account that the children will tend to imitate them (take care of the language, be careful with criticism, Always respect colleagues and opposing team, etc.
Sports benefits for children
- Introduce the child into society.
- It teaches you to follow rules.
- It helps you to open up to others and overcome shyness.
- Stop your excessive impulses.
- Promote in the child the need to collaborate over individualism
- It will make you recognize, accept and respect that there is someone who knows more than him.
- It produces a general increase in coordinated movement.
- Increase your motor possibilities.
- Favors the growth of your bones and muscles.
- It can correct possible physical defects.
- Power the creation and regularization of habits.
- Develop your pleasure by movement and exercise.
- Stimulates hygiene and health.
- It teaches you to have certain responsibilities.
Parents and coaches will be a fundamental support for the development of children's sports activity. Both have to take care of their behavior, since this will directly influence the attitude of the child not only as a child, but also as an adult.
