The Benefits of Team Sport Participation
So often when I think of team sports for children, the first thing that comes to mind is a super-c0mpetitive parent on the sideline. You know who they are. They are the ones yelling and screaming for their four-year-old to score a goal at any cost. They are the ones with arms flailing in frustration when that child fails to score a goal.
Team sport participation doesn’t have to mean cut-throat competition. In fact, it can teach many useful lessons that are much more important than winning the game. When my daughter recently faced a dilemma between participating in a team sport: soccer, and taking individual dance lessons, we sat down with her to discuss the benefits of team sports. We focused on some of the lessons she may learn as a result of team sport participation.
Working together in a group – Team sports provide an opportunity to work together as a team to accomplish certain goals. It promotes selflessness and comradely.
Accountability – On a team, all members are accountable to teammates. In team sports, children learn to follow specific rules put forth by the team and the league. Children learn quickly that quitting or not abiding by the rules will lead to disappointing his or her fellow team members.
Time Management – Balancing both school and sports teaches children how to budget their time. Children learn how to plan their time to allow for both homework and sports as well as any other activities and events.
Friends – Through team sports, children spend time with old friends as well as make new ones. Your child will meet kids from outside school and the neighborhood. Therefore, creating a rich and diverse group of friends for himself.
Exercise – Being part of a team will make fitness a habit and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Even the youngest team sport participants take pride in their team as well as their individual contribution to it. No matter what age, children should be encouraged to become involved in team sports. The lessons learned are invaluable and may last a lifetime.
Sheila is a stay-at-home mom with two little girls. One of her primary goals as a parent is to expose her children to local events including arts and sciences, culture, and music. In the home, Sheila focuses on creating a healthy lifestyle for her family, including green living, healthy cooking and eating, and fitness.
