Why You Should Encourage Your Kid to Play Multiple Sports

December 13, 2018

Most parents are dedicated developing well-rounded children. They look at various after-school activities, such as music lessons and sports, to sign their children up for so their kids can have a diverse set of knowledge, interests and skills.

Child development experts support this. Research reveals that children who study music, dance, and sports tend to be better equipped for life. They learn new information much faster, too, so they get better grades in school. Many of them also are happier, healthier, and can deal with stressful situations more adequately.

So, if your young one is interested in different kinds of sports, do not think twice about signing him or her up for sports training camps, especially if your family budget allows for these programs. Always have the mindset that these programs are important investments to secure your kid’s future.

Sports are complete with lots of benefits. Every sport develops a certain set of skills, and children who play different sports have the advantage of possessing more skills that can actually work more effectively together.

1. Better physical flexibility

Flexibility is a must in avoiding serious injury. At the same time, it encourages young children to discover their physical capabilities more. It is worth noting, too, that children develop good posture at a young age. Good posture actually helps a lot in making sure nutrients and oxygen are distributed properly throughout the body.

2. Ability to think and focus more effectively

Concentration or focus is crucial for children, especially those who are in school and are academically competitive.

They are able to shut out distractions more easily and direct all their attention on their goal. This is constantly practiced especially in competitive sports, whether playing solo or as part of a team where the goal, of course, is winning or, at the very least, putting up a good fight.

3. Speed

Children who are gifted with speed definitely accomplish more tasks in a shorter amount of time. This impacts their efficiency in going about their day-to-day tasks and in managing their time better.

Speed and agility are naturally developed in routine sports participation as the body gets stronger and more adapted to the movements and techniques required to perform well in any sport.

4. Creative thinking

Combining knowledge and skills from different sports will simply be a common practice for your kid eventually. He or she will realise that there are endless possibilities for the application of what they know and what they can physically do.

For instance, creative children use their focus techniques in sports to zone in better when studying for exams. Or, they use physical exercises to eliminate the stress of studying.

It’s important to add that when it comes to fun, children who are exposed to different sports can be trusted to create more challenging and enjoyable games to play.

5. Confidence

It’s hard not to feel good about yourself if your body allows you to perform a wider range of movements with speed and accuracy.

Children feeling good about themselves is always a huge advantage in life especially as they are coming to know who they truly are. Knowing what they are capable of also plays an important role in shaping their self-worth.

6. Discipline

Sports orient children to the value of sticking to a routine, upholding high standards, and putting in the work in order to achieve a goal.

People who are involved in multiple sports are usually those who approach different aspects of their life with greater discipline and determination. Therefore, they are healthier and often big achievers.

7. A bigger social circle

Different activities present the young one different sets of friends and acquaintances. This is a hugely vital advantage for young children to develop flexibility in navigating social relationships.

Since they are exposed to more personalities, they get to develop a better tolerance or understanding for personality differences and quirks in other people. This, in turn, contributes to the moulding of their own character.

8. A culture of learning

Playing multiple sports often creates an insatiable curiosity. With a varied knowledge and skills set, your child is likely to explore more of what his or her understanding and skills allow.

For example, a kid who has skills in swimming may become interested in scuba diving. Scuba diving often spawns an interest in marine life. It’s not uncommon for people who are interested in marine life to grow such love for it and seek to learn how it can be preserved.

And, as mentioned earlier, children who have certain skills are naturally inclined to look into the network of things their capabilities can be used for.