10 Tips On How To Get Your Kids Learn & Love Sports

Are you a parent who has no interest in sports? Are you a parent who has the NFL or MLB game schedule taped to the fridge? Or you may be someone who actually plays these sports in local leagues? Wherever you lie on this spectrum, getting your kids involved in sports may take some work.

We all agree that kids need to engage in some type of physical activity to stay physically fit. Besides the health benefits from being involved in sports, kids also learn to get along with others and build self-confidence. Some kids are naturally sporty, some show slight interest, but others don't want to get involved at all.

You may have googled "gymnastics for kids" or "kids sports near me" to get your children into sports, but what if your kids are not fascinated by any of it? We're here to provide some great tips on how your children can learn, love, and appreciate sports! 

1. Be the Influencer

The strongest influencer in your child's life is not on SnapChat, TikTok or Instagram, it's is you, the parent! You can watch games together, teach them how the game works. Talk to them about your favorite team and the players who make the best moves. You can even take them to the arena, baseball field, etc. Give them merch or jerseys so they can feel involved in the sport. Also, teach your child how to play. Watch YouTube videos of professionals playing the games. There's no perfect way for them to learn other than you and your kid playing together. Plus, it can be so much fun!

2. Sports are Healthy

Kids are not always aware of the good things sports can do to their minds, bodies, and personalities. Make them aware of what they can get from playing sports or just by being physically active.

You can do this by telling them stories about people or yourself have benefited from engaging in a sport or activity. Or read a book about someone who has overcome physical, social or mental hardship through a sport. And while telling them include some of the following:

3. Encourage

There's nothing more inspiring than someone who encourages you to do the things you love. Let your kids have fun and play the sports they want. Try not force them to play a game. You'll know if they are interested or not. Allow them to join sports camps, learn new skills and discover the sport where they belong. Also, be present in their practices, don't just drop them off. Make them feel that what they do is special and be their #1 supporter!

4. Recognize their Efforts

Praising your kids means a lot to them. It can boost and develop their self-confidence. Recognize their hard work. Celebrate their simple wins like learning a new sport. These recognitions will help them believe in themselves and will make them eager to play more. But be strategic and use sparingly, don't overpraise. Praising everything they do can lessen the value of your words.

 

5. Learn Different Sports

Learning different sports can make them more flexible in mind and body. Not only do they train their bodies in different ways but they also get to develop leadership and communication skills. Your child has the potential to learn to be more or less competitive and also develop sportsman-like conduct as they navigate the waters of different sports. As they experience and join different sports activities, they can decide which they like the most. The idea is to give them the options and empower your child to make the choice that is right for them.

Here's a list of different sports to try!

For young kids:

T-Ball
Swimming
Karate
Biking
Soccer
Gymnastics

For older kids:
Basketball
Football
Volleyball
Baseball
Track and field
Tennis
Badminton
Dance
Horseback riding
Martial arts
Golf
Ice hockey
Lacrosse

 

6. It's Okay to Make Mistakes

Pressuring kids to win every game can have the opposite effect and discourage kids to play. It's okay to lose, and it's alright to make mistakes. Try not to remind them of their mistake over and over again, as they can lose their confidence, thinking that their value and your love for them rests on how they play a game. What matters most is they had fun and learned from the experience.

 

7. Set an Example

Some children are more involved in their gadgets than doing some physical activity. As a parent, we need to be a role model so our kids will be inspired to follow. Often what kids see is what they do. You don't need to be a professional athlete to set an example. Show them you do walks in the morning, do some stretching, or work out. Ask them to join you so they can be encouraged. Once they get used to routine exercises, you can introduce them to sports. They may have a change of heart and be more interested in sports activities than before. 

 

8. Give Them Some Sports Equipment

Buying your child a basketball hoop or a baseball glove can make a difference. It can encourage them to play basketball or catch outside. Giving your daughter a badminton racket can make her interested to play with other kids or join badminton tournaments at school. Simple sports stuff can help change their interests and hobbies.

 

9. Allow Time for Other Stuff

Give your kids the freedom to do other things. Do not pressure them to go to practice. Let them be kids and play with their friends. Getting along well with others is a skill that is useful when they grow up. Also, spend some quality time with your kid and family. Take a time out from sports-related stuff.

 

10. Sports Movies are Fun

We're pretty sure as a kid from the 90's you got inspired to play some sports after watching The Mighty Ducks, Space Jam, Little Giants, Angels in the outfield, the Karate Kid and many more. Family movies like so can inspire your kids to be interested in sports. Not only that, you will have a great fun-filled family bonding, and it might bring you a little nostalgia.

This isn't a comprehensive list...but it's a start!

Take what you want from this list and go out with your kids and have some fun!