Adolescence

The physical benefits of participating in team sports is well known and well documented. A recent research study conducted by the University of West Virginia investigated the effect of team sport participation and student’s self-image. The results were astonishing.

Researchers interviewed 245 middle-school teenagers to determine how they felt about their overall physical health and their satisfaction with life. Here’s what they found out. In general, teenagers who participated in team sports viewed themselves as healthier and were more satisfied with their lives, then teenagers who did not participate in team sports. Both boys and girls reported that they were more likely to describe the over health as poor if they weren’t active in sports. You can get your children more active by hiring a trainer to encourage them. Go to http://www.411.ca for more information.

Physical education educators and coaches have long promoted the beneficial effects of team participation. Team sports helps teens set and achieve goals. It instills inner discipline and rewards perseverance and determination. In addition, participating in team sports, gives teens coping skills that help them in other aspects of their lives.

The social aspects of team sports give teens the opportunity to form deep and lasting friendships centered on shared experiences. It teaches teens the value of a group effort and working towards a common goal.

When one in twenty teens is sedentary and more than half of all teens don’t participate in any sport, the University of West Virginia’s study is a wakeup scream for help to parents and educators. Team sports and physical activity are key to the physical and mental well-being of teens.

What to Do When Your Child Loses Interest in the Game

It is a great thing when your child is interested in staying active and wants to play individual or team sports. It is even better if she is interested in multiple types of activities. The more she is introduced to, the more likely she will want to try out different sports. Although multiple interests are wonderful, the likelihood that she will lose interest in a sport and some point is high. Not only does this cause a change in schedules, but you may lose out on money as well, as you may not be refunded any prior costs.

The chances of a child backing out of a sport are high when they are extremely young and when they are a teenager. Young children want to try out different sports and are trying to find what they like best. As children enter the teen years, other activities or cliques might distract them from sports.

So what can you do if your child loses interest in a sport? It depends on the circumstance. If your child is simply trying out different sports and decided that a particular one is not fit, then you must be supportive of his newfound activity. Although switching around might feel frustrating, keep in mind that your child is trying to find himself. It is a good thing that he wants to play sports in the first place.

Teenagers often drop out of sports to work, be in social clubs, or to date. This may not necessarily be a concern if your teen is still active and did not want to pursue a particular sport in college. However, if your once college-bound basketball player suddenly wants to drop out of the sport, you must have a serious conversation with her and outline the repercussions of her decision, such as a loss of a potential scholarship.

Sports and Well-Being in Teens

What to Do When Your Child Loses Interest in the Game

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