How to Get a Child Interested in Sports

Some kids are born to like sports. They catch a game at a young age and play with a soccer ball at just the right moment—whatever it is, they get excited as soon as they’re old enough to realize what sports are and how they can play them in so many different ways. Other kids may balk at the idea at first, or they may try to avoid sports altogether. Fortunately, parents do have the ability to help, to some degree, when it comes to getting kids interested in sports.

1. Ask them what they want to do. If you force a child into a particular sport without asking for their input, how can you know that you’re really choosing the right sport for them? Pushing a child into an activity can lead to resentment if you aren’t careful.
2. Consider different sports and let the kids try things. Start as young as possible so that they can develop the necessary skills and learn all about teamwork and bonding. This will also allow them to check out different sports as they grow into themselves, deciding which ones they want to continue.
3. Watch sports and encourage your kids to watch with you. Attend live sporting events, consider local recreational leagues that you can check out, and so forth. The more kids see others playing and enjoying a game, the more they’ll want to join.
4. Don’t pressure them, whatever you do. Some children lose interest because they’re too pressured or they feel like they’re only “allowed” to do a certain sport. They feel like if they don’t perform, they could let you down. This can turn sports into a totally negative experience.

Not all kinds are made for sports, and that’s fine. If your child doesn’t show any interest or they aren’t interested in continuing after they try something, don’t be mad at them or “blame them” for failing. Start exploring other activities and hobbies so that you can find out what they are interested in so they can develop skills with that specific interest or hobby.

Childhood is supposed to be a time of fun and freedom. If you want your child to be interested in sports, let them try different things and get them involved in what they want to do, not what you want them to do. That way, you can know they’re involved for the right reasons. Contact Schaumburg Seminoles for more information.