Sport For Children: Which One For Your Little One?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

After the end of the school year has sounded, many parents are all asking the same questions: "Is sport for children important?" "," What are its virtues? "," What sport for my child to choose according to his age and character? ". Therefore, Deavita.fr has decided to introduce you to some sports disciplines for children and teenagers that contribute to teamwork and teach fundamental values and skills. So, after beach games for young and old, zoom in on the sports activities that promise to punctuate your children's Saturdays and Sundays during the school year and during the holidays. Skateboarding, skiing, climbing, combat sport… depending on age, personality and needs, find out which extra-curricular activity will suit them best.

6 sports ideas for children: each toddler has his own sports and educational activity

Of course, choosing a sport for your children is not an easy task. Because after all, sporting activity is not just a way to keep them busy. In addition to punctuating their weekend, sport for children and teenagers also aims to develop their mastery and self-confidence, their endurance and their tactical sense, while allowing them to get away from it all! Along with school, sporting activity is an essential vector for learning the rules of social life. This is why public health specialists recommend the practice of a sport from an early age (3 years).

However, faced with the many possibilities available to parents, the choice is not always obvious. There are many criteria that must be taken into consideration: age, interests, personality, special needs, etc. If, for example, your little one is a bit too dynamic and energetic, it would probably be a great idea to enroll them in a combat sport or a climbing class. If, on the other hand, it wants to be competitive, winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, surfing and swimming will do very well. For the more timid, there is nothing like horseback riding.

The benefits of sport for children and teenagers

Sporting activity has many virtues for children's health, both physical and mental. It initiates children (and adults) to develop good sports habits by allowing them to let off steam and gain self-confidence. And if we can define sport as "the school of life", it must be the result of envy and bring pleasure and happiness to those who practice it. If your child refuses to swim, you don't need to force them. You might blame yourself when he quits after a week. Before you decide which sport you think is best for your child, know that you will probably need several tries. In fact, the majority of children are not aware of the discipline in which they wish to enroll. If your child is hesitant,discuss it with him and try to find out what he wants and what he expects.

Combat sport for children and teenagers

Does your child have boundless energy that you find it difficult to channel? The solution ? Bet on martial arts or combat sports for children such as judo, for example. In addition to channeling energy and regulating aggression, judo is above all an art of self-control which teaches children to have a healthy lifestyle. It develops in children (from 4 years old) and in teenagers fundamental values, such as respect, modesty, courage, harmony of body and mind. Not to mention the benefits on physical health. For teens, this combat sport allows them to make new friends and learn about the art of self-defense.

Climbing for teenagers

For young and old adventurers, we offer climbing. If you are one of the parents who fear this activity for safety reasons, don't worry! Your little one will be well equipped and always accompanied by an instructor who will guide and encourage him. Climbing has several advantages that should not be overlooked. First, it doesn't need to be muscular. Second, it promotes self-confidence, analytical skills and balance, flexibility and precision. So any child (from 4 years old) or teenager can try it. In addition, it is a sport for children that can be practiced both outdoors and indoors. Even the most shy children can get started.

Surfing and swimming

Does your little one love water and love to have fun in the small pool? Well, swimming is perfect for him! Considered one of the most beneficial sports for children and teens, swimming teaches you to manage breathing by working on endurance and breath. In addition, it is a gentle sport where there is no risk of injury or strain. And while girls can try synchronized swimming, boys can go underwater hockey or water polo. Likewise, this sport is accessible from the first months of the child. It promotes psychomotor development and, contrary to popular belief, allows some toddlers to overcome their fear of water.

To vary the pleasures, you can register your little one for a surf lesson. The latter will allow him to flourish and have fun being in close contact with nature! Surfing regularly will teach your little one to be patient, manage a lot of information and make decisions quickly. He will therefore gain in discipline and concentration.

Board sports - skateboard and rollerblades

Sliding sport has been on the rise for a long time. So, which board sport for your child? Between rollerblades, skateboarding and scootering, do you get lost? Here are a few tips for each type! First, the short skate is generally used for figures, while the long skate (also called "long board"), more flexible, is more preferable for walks with friends. Sensational sport, skateboarding develops children's balance, flexibility and endurance. Perfect for dynamic children, it is also very suitable for reserved and shy children. Rollerblades, on the other hand, are more manoeuvrable, faster and suitable for walks than skateboarding. If they must be practiced like a sport (on a regular basis), it is better to avoid them before 8-10 years. On the other hand,there is no real age to start the scooter. Handy and perfect for walking, it is a safe bet for children who want to start sliding sports gently.

Please note: regardless of the board sport chosen, remember that protection for the arms, head, elbows and knees is essential.

Ski and snowboard

Skiing as a sport is incredibly fun and entertaining. But before learning how to make perfect turns, this sliding sport offers an infinite number of useful experiences for children and teenagers. Plus, it's a dynamic, low-impact cardio, which makes it ideal for small, growing skeletons. Skiing allows children to interact with nature and build their self-confidence. By putting your little one in group lessons, he / she will also improve his / her social skills by meeting other children of the same age and level. Regarding the question "What to choose between skiing and snowboarding?" Skiing is probably the most obvious option. Learning the basics of skiing is definitely best for toddlers,because the two feet are free and the material is more suitable for them.

Horse riding

What sport for a shy child who loves animals? Horse riding is for him! There is no need to explain to you once again the virtues and merits of the relationship between an animal and a child. Being both a responsibility and a playful and cuddly companion, the horse can help your little one to open up and become more courageous, to assert himself and to gain self-confidence. The only downside? The price a little too high for the sessions and the equipment. By feeding, brushing and caring for their animal, your child will not only develop a sense of responsibility, but will also instill a notion of respect.