One might often hear that playing sports is great for kids, which is undeniably true. There are plenty of parenting articles and books that enumerate the benefits it can have on their mental, physical, and cognitive well-being. That’s why many international schools in Singapore have adopted various sports programmes geared towards young learners as a supplement to their education.
However, the benefits one reaps when parents play together with their children might not be too common to hear. As parents, you don’t necessarily have to be just onlookers when your child plays sports. During your free time, you could try and play alongside them. For like-minded parents who are also into sports themselves, you can take this as an opportunity to introduce certain sports or games that your child might not be familiar with.
As a bit of food for thought, here are some reasons why playing sports games with your child can effectively be beneficial for them, too:
1. Experiencing new challenges together
When playing sports, teamwork and camaraderie are developed among kids as they go through challenges that may arise throughout the activity. This enables them to develop quick thinking skills as they navigate through the activity.
This applies as well when parents and their children take the field. However, instead of the kids being by themselves, they can experience new challenges together with their parents.
2. Being a good influence
Parental engagement within the sports environment can positively or negatively influence a child’s sports experience. When at least one parent is physically active, studies show that the child’s participation in sports rises to 88%.
By leading the pace for your child, you can set yourself as a positive role model your child could emulate. Your habits and active participation can serve as a benchmark for them to adopt.
Additionally, instilling good sportsmanship is a characteristic that you can demonstrate when playing with or against your child. With this, they are able to learn from you during the game and are more likely to pick up these valuable traits for when they are on and off the field.
3. Bonding with your child
The bond between a parent and a child boosts their physical and emotional development as well as culminates their social skills. Involving yourself can create an impactful positive relationship with them. For young children, this can boost their self-esteem and confidence. Although teenagers might initially feel embarrassed about playing with their parents, the unspoken barrier between parent and child can be diminished. This will allow kids to gain more trust and respect in your family dynamic.
4. Realising goals and setting aspirations
Most children, if not all, might be keen to try new things that they have yet to try – this can come in the form of sports as well. With that, it creates the perfect opportunity to explore their options when it comes to sports.
As a parent, you can facilitate this exploration and at the same time learn together with them as well. It would be best to assist them in figuring out which sport is of interest to them because, who knows, it might turn out to be a career aspiration for them in the future. Otherwise, it is also important to realise which ones are not for them. This heightens their self-awareness and would help them in their search for other hobbies, should they eliminate sports.
Conclusion
Children can actively participate in sports activities and find their true potential in a sports international school in Singapore. That said, the enjoyment of sports should not strictly be just for them – you can also involve yourself in your child’s sports life during the free time you have. Not only will it help develop valuable interpersonal skills, but the bond you have with your child will also be strengthened through active participation in activities such as sports.
