As your child sits all day at school, studying subjects like math and science, exercise becomes necessary to provide more movement and better wellness for them.
Sports programs are in dire need of funding nowadays, and it’s up to parents and educators to step up and make sure these programs are available to all children. The value of exercise is essential to the school system, but many children aren’t given the opportunity to participate in sports programs because they’re being defunded. Here are some reasons why exercise is just as important to your child’s development as any subject they’ll learn in school:
The Value in School Athletics
With the costs of school athletics increasing dramatically, many poor and lower-class families aren’t able to enroll their children in sports programs. This is why gym classes in our education are more vital than ever. Children need to move around during school to make sure they’re getting the right amount of exercise every day. Gym classes also allow for children to interact socially with their peers more, live healthier lives and feel more energized throughout the day.
School athletics can enrich a student’s social, physical and mental health dramatically, and the value of participating in sports programs during high school carries on into adulthood.
According to Medical News Today, studies found that “fit and healthy young men who participated in high school and college sports were also more likely to be physically active when they reached their 70s.” Parents can help their child find the sports activity that’s right for them by encouraging them to try sports out of their comfort zone and giving them a wide variety to choose from.
Tips to Know When Enrolling Your Child in Sports
Once your child begins playing sports at school, there are a few things to consider. First, consider whether or not contact sports such as football and hockey are appropriate for your child. Some believe contact sports have damaging effects on a child’s physical and mental health. Students with specific medical conditions or disabilities should also take the demands of contact sports into account when deciding which sport to play. But it’s up to you as a parent to determine that for your child.
You’ll also want to make sure to keep your children safe while they play sports. Here are a few useful tips:
- Make sure they are wearing protective gear such as mouthguards or helmets.
- Giving your children lots of water and sunscreen will keep them hydrated and safe from the sun.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
- Encourage your children to rest after they play sports so they can heal and not overextend their muscles.
Many schools are now beginning to use electronic training devices and performance trackers to give student athletes a more rewarding sports education. Technology is making waves in the sporting world, providing athletes and coaches with new ways of interacting with players and teammates. Wearable tech is becoming the future of sports, with smartwatches and fitness trackers making it easier for kids to track their progress and set fitness goals for themselves. Parents and children can work together on accomplishing their fitness goals side by side through using these devices.
Even though athletic programs in schools are facing cutbacks, it’s as important as ever to realize the incredible value in having sports programs in our child’s education. Parents are advised to encourage their children to join sports teams at school, as it allows for them to flourish socially, physically and mentally. There are many ways parents can help their child choose the right sport to play. Sports programs in schools have lasting effects on a child’s development, including by motivating them to exercise on a daily basis, providing them with lifelong friends and giving them valuable skills they’ll carry on far into adulthood.
- Small and Big DIY Projects to Improve Your Home’s Sustainability - March 30, 2021
- 7 New Holiday Traditions to Start in Your House - December 17, 2020
- 5 Methods to Unwind and Improve Your Mental Health - July 31, 2020
