For many students, summer is already here and for others, it’s only days away. At this point, some kids may have their summer already packed with camps and activities, while other kids may have lots of free time to relax or hang out with friends and family. Either way, the summer is a great time for kids to get involved with sports, or to continue their current participation. Why? Here are just a few of the many benefits of participating in summer sports:
- EXERCISE: The Food Wise team at Southeast Psych explains that helping a child develop a love for being physically active now will set the stage for a healthy relationship with exercise as an adult. In addition, movement can also be a way for kids to deal with and manage emotions like stress and anger, so it is helpful to provide opportunities for kids to be active throughout the week. Overall, sports are a great way to make exercise fun and to infuse physical activity into a child’s daily routine.
- FAMILY FUN: Make being active a fun family activity! You could go for a walk, ride bikes, or play Frisbee in the backyard. If your child sees you being active and enjoying it, it’s likely that they will follow in your footsteps.
- LIFE SKILLS: Research shows that sports help kids develop life skills, such as leadership, cooperation, and responsibility. So, while school is out of session, sports are a great way to keep kids learning and practicing important skills that they will use throughout their lifetime.
- INTEREST: Studies conducted by Search Institute show that kids who have a “spark,” or an interest that inspires them, make more positive choices and contribute in important ways to their families, schools, and communities. In order for kids to find their “spark,” they have to try different activities until they find something that motivates them. So, participating in sports can give kids just another opportunity to develop a lifelong interest.
For more information about opportunities for kids to participate in sports this summer, check out Mind Over Body’s website.
Mind Over Body equips athletes and coaches to optimize athletic performance and live healthier lives. Stay connected by visiting Mind Over Body’s Facebook page and following @MindOverBodySEP on Twitter.
