Your child may never become a top athlete, but they can build some amazing skills through exercise that they may retain for a lifetime
Experts remind parents that for most children who participate in sports, participating in the highest level of competition should not be the ultimate goal. As long as children can benefit from sports, it doesn't matter if they don't perform well in sports
Exercise has many benefits for children's development, beyond the benefits of actual physical exercise
Here are four powerful ways kids can benefit from sports:
1. Participating in physical activity can reduce a child's lifetime risk of depression and anxiety.
Regular exercise (or anyone) in children (or anyone) translates into better mental health, which is particularly relevant to the stress of today's work life
Indeed, there is plenty of evidence that exercise can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Especially for some people with mild to moderate symptoms, exercise is as effective as antidepressants and can be used as a first-line treatment.
But there are also many studies that have looked at the role of exercise on children's mental health. A 2019 U.S. study found that children who have experienced traumatic experiences such as neglect, single-parent family or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse are less likely to develop anxiety or depression in their lives if they can participate in sports, and are less likely to develop depressive symptoms in adulthood. The authors conclude that team sports appear to be a very "important" "mind restorer"
2. Participating in sports as a child helps to develop a lifelong love of sports.
Participating in sports is sure to bring physical benefits to children, including helping them improve their cardiovascular health as well as improving flexibility and coordination. But in the long run, sport can play even a more powerful role in children's lives.
The researchers found that children who participated in a variety of physical activities — from team sports to weightlifting — ended up enjoying physical activity more than children their peers, which helped them enjoy the benefits of physical activity throughout their lives. In addition, while it is certainly possible to learn a new sport or physical skill in adulthood, the vast majority of people who engage in recreational sports after the age of 30 have played it as children.
This is especially important because most adults don't meet the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise per week, which can have an impact on everything from heart health to cognition. Of course, exercise in adulthood can look very different from exercise in childhood: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can achieve these goals by brisk walking, cycling, or even doing housework or other activities.
3. Children who participate in sports are less likely to feel lonely – even adults.
Team environments provide an environment for athletes to socialize, identify with peers, and participate in personal growth and development, and children who participate in sports tend to score higher in terms of overall social functioning.
These potential benefits extend to adulthood. For example, one study found that children who participated in sports in 10th grade reported lower levels of social isolation in adulthood. This may be because childhood exercise gives children plenty of opportunities to communicate, resolve conflicts, and even empathize. Studies focused on adaptive sports (recreational sports for people with disabilities) also showed strong societal benefits, with 80% of participants in one study, most of whom were children, saying that physical activity positively improved their social lives.
Of course, exercise is risky. As children age, there is a very real risk of burnout in a team environment, as well as bullying and risk-taking behaviors, etc. But when they play a sport they really enjoy, and train with their teammates to work together and compete, children can develop social skills that will help them throughout their lives. Children who participate in sports can learn how to navigate teamwork and work together, and focus on common goals, which are very important skills that can be translated into skills in an academic and even work environment over the years
4. Kids who like to exercise are better at time management.
Time management is an essential lifelong skill, and with the development needs of society, the time management of individuals is becoming more and more important. Children who participate in sports are better able to manage and allocate time than children who do not participate in sports. It's important – children must learn early on how to balance play, school, friends and family with their need for rest time.
So, even if there is no talent, your child should exercise more, and for children, the most important thing is to be happy