After-school sports are a great way for your child to learn and grow outside of the classroom. Team sports benefit children in myriad ways, some of which might be surprising. Here are the major ones.
Learning Teamwork
Sports are the ultimate way for children to learn about teamwork. That includes learning how to uphold your responsibility to others; learning how to accept someone else’s contribution to a joint effort; learning to accept others as equals; learning to accept others as leaders; learning to accept criticism; learning how to give criticism; learning how to support others; learning how to accept support; and learning to lead. All of these social skills play a key role in many aspects of later life and work.
Confidence Building
School can be hard for some students. Bullying, low self-esteem, and low motivation can be dangerous hindrances in a kid's life. Working as part of a team can help your child build confidence, and it provides an excellent opportunity to make friends who will be positive influences in their lives.
Keeps Kids Out Of Trouble
Sports practice and games occur under adult supervision to which the child willingly submits. They’re in a safe environment where negative influences are limited and it’s difficult to get into trouble. A well-coached team doesn’t rely only upon its coach: teammates learn an obligation to support and guide one another – a phenomenon that is self-strengthening and self-perpetuating. Working in an environment where negative influences are limited, children can learn to make better decisions.
Learning to Focus
Many kids find it hard to focus on a task. Focus is something that can be learned, but usually not by trying to make the unfocused child sit and concentrate on books or school exercises for hours on end. If a child is motivated to succeed, a coach can teach him or her to focus by giving them complicated tasks to master, such as making a layup shot, hitting a curve ball, or learning how to pass a soccer ball. Focus-developing activities are also taught to entire teams.
Healthy Lifestyle
Physical exercise is good for everyone, no matter what shape they’re in. A child who attends regular practices and works to succeed in a sport is almost certain to improve in physical fitness. This can help establish a habit of exercise for the future, for a lifetime of healthy living and fitness. Physical fitness is associated with academic achievement. A healthy body really does support a healthy mind.
Dealing With Disappointment
It's hard to lose, but it's an inevitable fact of life. Being part of a team helps kids learn how to handle disappointment with strength and grace, and how to maintain confidence even if they didn't win that day. Loss can also be a motivator to work harder. Not every child is destined to become an NBA star or an Olympic medalist, but winning truly isn’t the main benefit of sports. Do what you can to encourage your child’s participation: it will confer great advantages now and in the future.
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Communities in Schools – Jacksonville supports sports and other after school programs in Duval County public schools. Learn more.
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Related Tag: After School Programs Jacksonville FL