How to Guide Your Kids to Fitness who Hate Sports

If your child is not keen on outdoor activities or sports, try to understand the reasons behind it. It could be just a psychological matter

YOU might have a child who loves sports, but a second child who hates the very mention of them. He would rather be in his room with a book than playing hockey or basketball with his friends.

Read on to find out how you can help to promote fitness in a child who dislikes organised sports. Article Source

Why does my child hate sports?

If your child isn’t interested in team sports, you should attempt to get to the root of the issue rather than force her or him. Kids may not want to participate in sports for many reasons some of them physical, others emotional.

Children who are physically self-conscious or who feel different from their peers may feel uncomfortable about participating in team activities. Whether this difference is real or imagined, it may lead to self-esteem problems.

Fear of failure or public embarrassment as well as fear of letting their parents down can also make some children reluctant to play sports.

Other children may lack, or believe they lack, the grace or coordination needed to succeed at a particular sport. They may also be afraid of injury or may simply be cautious by nature.

Some children, like many adults, may just not be interested in team sports, but they can still maintain an excellent level of fitness by engaging in other activities that don’t emphasise competition. As long as your child does not become sedentary, there’s no reason to worry.

Can I help my child learn to like sports?

Although you should share your interests with your child, it’s never a good idea to force your child into an activity just because you once excelled in it. In fact, many children may worry that they won’t be able to measure up to the success their parents once enjoyed playing a particular sport. Your child needs to know that although you would love to share your love of a particular sport with her, it would be equally acceptable if she would rather play another.

You should also keep your expectations realistic most children never make it to the state finals or become Olympic medalists. The ultimate goal is to help and encourage your child to become fit, healthy, and happy.

What activities can my child

Do to stay fit?

Many children choose not to join teams, and prefer activities that can be done alone or with friends. Suggested fitness alternatives include:

Cycling

Swimming

Horseback riding

Dancing

Skating

Running

Martial arts

These activities help children build self-esteem, strength, coordination, and general fitness.

How can I be a good fitness role model?

Parents who live sedentary lifestyles may have a hard time motivating their children to stay fit. Try to make exercise a part of your family life by finding fun fitness activities that the whole family can do together, such as swimming, cycling, nature hikes or walks.

Maintain a positive attitude toward exercise and physical activity be careful not to treat it as a punishment or a chore.

Encourage your child to come up with creative suggestions for family fitness activities; she will be more likely to enjoy an activity if she has a role in planning it.

Finally, emphasise the importance of having both a healthy mind and a healthy body, and make it clear to your child that physical activity is an integral part of daily life. By creating a supportive environment, acting as a positive role model, and providing your child with a wide range of fitness choices, you can help your child develop good habits that will last a lifetime.