Sports

Youngsters in this age group are often eager to play in organized sports. The same child who built forts with an imaginary friend is now imagining him/herself as a pro sports star.

Developmentally, the physical ability of elementary-age children varies widely.

Giving children an opportunity to explore several different sports is a good idea – youngsters will learn various skills and discover which ones they enjoy the most.

There are many sports appropriate for elementary and middle school athletes: swimming, running, tennis, martial arts, skating, volleyball, gymnastics, soccer, basic basketball and hockey, youth league football, and baseball.

For children, sports are an opportunity to practice new physical skills, social behavior and develop mental aptitude.

Sports also give parents opportunities. Parents’ roles should focus on teamwork, improving a child’s skills and helping acquire new ones, and making the whole experience a positive one.

Your perspective can help your aspiring athlete to:

• Prepare for future competition
• Learn to win or lose in a healthy way
• Handle events later in life
• Focus on the importance of effort
• Prioritize fitness as part of life
• See how to improve for the next time
• Understand that winning is about personal improvement