As adults we know how important it is to be physically active as we age. Although it is beneficial for the body at the same time recent study shows that playing sports can help prevent cognitive decline later in life. Similarly it has huge impact not only children’s physical health but also on their psychological health. Having a sport as part of your life does improve your social skills as well
Sports is a fun activity where children learn important life skills without any pressure. Below are the ways in which sports helps them grow physically, mentally and socially
Physical health
In order to have a good physical development in early stage of childhood, children should have proper diet, good amount of sleep and one hour of sports activity each day. Following are the perks of doing so
- Healthy heart
- Improves immunity
- Balanced body fat%
- Strong muscles, bones and joints
Mental health
The mental benefits are also quite impressive. When our body is physically active it releases chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine which are often termed as feel good hormone, they help to lift the positive emotions in a person.
Playing sports also helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Although these terms might seem an over exaggeration of words but children experience same emotions as adults do and thus playing it is great way to fight these feelings
Sports increases the ability of children being active, helps them to get good quality of sleep and builds mental strength. Studies found that having a good physical activity leads to improved performance in math, retention of memory and better grasping power
Social skills
Sports do play an important role in teaching children valuable skills and life lesson which they can carry with them throughout their life. Growing up can be difficult for many children, leaving
Many youth with sense of doubt in them and lack of confidence but sports does help in increasing self-esteem and confidence in them.
Social skills that a child learns when he is into sports includes
- Independent attitude
- Discipline
- Respect for others
- Communicaton
- Team work
- Leadership
What benefits can come from sports?
- Character and moral principles are build through fair play
- Winning and losing is a part of life
- Sports inculcate self-esteem in children
- Social interaction among others players
- Creates a feeling of harmony without any discrimination
- It helps them to create friendship which they might not have formed
According to UNICEF,
“Childhood is the most crucial period in the life of children, hence it is very important to lay a good foundation for healthy development and life long learning . it is said that development of the brain is at a peak during childhood and experiences from first five years has a huge impact on child’s mental health“.
Sports can be very valuable tool for child throughout their life. It helps in building good health and fight disease by not only playing sport but also by act of watching sport with proper communication, education and social interaction that games provide
Team sports can prevent child from the damage of childhood trauma and increase mental resilience. It helps them fight mental isolation and loneliness
World’s top athletes sharing importance of sports in overall growth in human
MS DHONI
This person needs no introduction as he is one of the best cricketer in indian cricket team. He emphasizes on giving more importance to sports during school days as it helps in shaping the child for future
Dhoni also believes that it is important to push every youngster to take up sports. “Be it, mentally or physically, sport teaches a lot to the students and that actually helps in practical life. Sports should play a big role in students’ life and everyone should be pushed to it“
Cristiano Ronaldo
He is one of the biggest sporting icon in the world today. he is at the top of his career, according to him playing sports not only made him successful but also helped to get a good personality. Let us take a look at some of the most important life lesson he learnt from football
- Never give up attitude
- Kindness and generosity
- Respect for peers and family
- How to handle negativity
Serena Williams
She is an American professional tennis player and former world no.1 in women’s single tennis. She says sports has literally changed her life.it has given her a lot of confidence, a lot of courage and a lot of discipline. Playing it can reduce the risk of obesity and related illness from childhood itself. Sportsmanship, equality, respect and most important humanity are the quality that sport teaches a child
Summing up
Children learn positive life lesson through sports and thus they will gain positive qualities like honesty, compassion and gratitude. It is also very much important that we should not impose expectations and tough goals on children from start in sport . Instead let your child should first get used to sports and then let it be part of his and her everyday life
One of the great way to keep your child active is by introducing sports in their life, it surely gives number of benefits.
Sports not only helps children in development phase of life but also provides meaningful skills for a successful life.
The world celebrates April 6 as THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE. Take active part in physical activities and encourage your child as well.
