KidTOPICS: Starting Team Sports
 So how young is too young to start?
It is never too young expose your child to world of
good health through exercise.
 | Start in infancy by walking regularly with your child,
in either a sling carrier or back carrier. |
| When your child starts walking, encourage physical
activity that stresses mobility of joints and development of coordinated movements. |
When is it best to start "team" or
organized sports for children?
The answer is quite variable and depends on your
child's level of maturity, ability to focus and pay attention, and his or her physical and
social levels. Consider the following:
| Most children are not ready for organized sporting
activity until they are at least 5 years of age. This is not to say children younger can't
enjoy playing sports, but organized group sports typically won't be tolerated for one
reason or another until after age5. |
| Even though your child may be physically ready to
participate in group sports, he or she may not be emotionally or socially prepared for the
team concept. |
| Likewise, some children may not have the physical
attributes necessary for many organized sports. It is important that you find alternative
organized and team sports in these situations; ones that will boost their self-esteem and
that they can have early success in. |
| Remember, the main goal of athletic programs for
children are to
 | Improve self-esteem |
| Improve physical health |
| Establish good habits early |
|
In remembering these points, don't start too early
with team sports as it often becomes more of a stress for children than fun.
Provide alternatives for children when they don't
seem ready yet. Encourage them to exercise through sporting activities with the family and
smaller groups that they feel most comfortable with. And encourage them to learn skills in
individual sports like skiing, tennis, playing catch, and so forth.
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