Let’s Play!

June is just around the corner... and that means summer is coming fast!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore a few topics related to keeping those busy little bodies in our homes active and engaged in a healthy dose of outdoor activities this summer. Today, we’re exploring the enticing world of kids’ sports.

Introducing kids to sports is an exciting time. For your child, participating in a sport helps build confidence and encourages teamwork and camaraderie. For parents, not only is it really fun to watch your child participate, it also provides a great opportunity for you to be supportive and encouraging. But it’s extremely important to keep these early experiences positive. Just like learning to walk or run or read, children develop in their own way and at their own speed. Celebrate their individual achievements and avoid any comparisons to what other kids can or cannot do. Also avoid the somewhat common pitfall of pushing one particular sport on your child, but rather let them try as many as they are interested in until they find something they are truly excited about. You also don’t need to sign up for anything super-structured or expensive. Invest in a small soccer ball, baseball glove and bat and head to the park. Enlist other families to join you while you’re there.

Not sure where to start? Visit the Summer Sports section of our Summer Guide for a list of suggested sports and our own rating system to help you identify some good choices that would suit your child.

Most importantly, have fun!