Playing sports is such as great activity. Not only is it great fun to watch, but it is great fun to participate in too. It is especially good for children as it helps them stay fit, develop socially in team activities, and sports can even enhance the immune system, making the child happier and healthier.

You never know, one day they may actually play professionally such as for the NFL themselves if they have any particular talent at the game. However, for the most part, it is just a great way to ensure that your child is exercising and preventing any problems that may be associated with inactivity. So, let’s have a look at a few you can encourage a reluctant child to partake in sports. 

Try and Discover What Your Child Enjoys

Perhaps this is obvious as they are always watching the NFL with you and cheering your team on. If this is not the case, you may have to do a little more investigation. You could try watching different sports with them or take them to different games to see what they enjoy.

You may find that their eyes light up when you show them karate films. This can be your way in to ask if they would like to try karate. Try not to force anything on them as this could have the opposite effect, such as making them hate sports forever. 

Casually Introduce Sports 

If you are finding it difficult to determine which sport they like, why not get out and about, play a little baseball with them, or take them to a sports event in person. Perhaps gymnastics or track and field. If it is busy and the atmosphere is buzzing, then the whole event may be enough to encourage them. Sometimes just experiencing something of that kind is a great motivator.

Avoid Overdoing it

If you find something that your child is interested in and happy to partake in, try and avoid getting overzealous. Don’t make the mistake of signing them up for every possible event and piling the pressure on them. If you do this, you may actually cause the opposite effect, as they are likely to rebel and give up. Take a step back and go slow.

Be supportive, take them to the class, and if they want to do an exam or join a team, great. If you give them the space to breathe at their need, perhaps even help them at home in their own time, you may even find that they have a bit of talent, and this will encourage them further. 

Get the Right Equipment

Ensuring that your child has the right equipment to play properly is essential. Maybe they need the most expensive table tennis blade to beat all the competition, and they will definitely need the best protective equipment if they are going to be playing football. You don’t always have to buy everything first hand. Take a look at the second-hand market and see if there is anything suitable for a reduced price.