Time of… Sports 2016/10/05

Fall is the season in which good habits are resumed: regular schedules, teatime in the afternoon, sports…

It is known that carrying out constant and balanced physical activity is good for anyone from a very young age and if our child particularly stands out in sports they will also begin little races and competitions.

But before letting the competitive spirit loose it is important to remember that practicing a sport, above all, should be like playing and fun!

As established the Letter of the Rights of the Child in Sports, written by the UNESCO in 1992, the child has the right to have fun and play as a child and the right to not be a champion.

Competitive activity requires a huge compromise from the child’s part in terms of time, quitting other activities and sacrifices. On one hand it develops a great sense of duty, but the stress from the excessive discipline, tension from a competition, etc. may cause disturbance and anxiety, which are not good for our child.

The objective of the competition is not just to win! Competitions work to be compared with everyone else and to verify an own level of preparation and skills.

Of course defeat also happens, but it is essential not to criticize the child! Analyze any error but emphasize on progress, let them cry if the need to, comfort them and next time they will be better.

Teach your child that following a regular lifestyle also helps with success in sports: sleeping enough, eating healthy, taking care of their body and belongings.

Compromising to sports also includes materials: help the child to prepare the necessary (shoes, uniform, tutu, etc.) and then let them do it alone. When returning turn the situation around: that they unpack the bag, put the uniform in the laundry basket, clean their shoes, etc.

If well managed, sports can also teach discipline, effectiveness, compromise, wishes of getting better and team spirit and can also help a restless child to let out some steam and… get tired!

Remember it is important to participate, not to win!