Finding a Good Fit: Helping your child choose a sport to have fun with!

Department of Pediatrics
Children's Hospital of Iowa
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Creation Date: Unknown
Last Revision Date: Unknown

What most children are looking for:

• Action
• Being a part of the team
• Close scores / even competition
• Time to play with friends
• A voice in decisions
• Fun

Know your child's:

• Physical Abilities
  It is important to group children based on age, size, and physical maturity.
• Cognitive Level
  Children have varying abilities to understand and remember instructions.
• Social Skills
  Does your child like to play in groups, pairs, or alone?
• Coping Skills
  How does your child deal with success, disappointment, and stress?

Parents should:

• Know what programs are available and their goals.
• Know what the costs are and what your commitment will be.
• Know how the program will fit with family goals and values.
• Know your own limitations.
• Know your child's coach and his / her qualifications and experience with children.
• Know the programs safety record and plan.
• Know who to contact with questions or concerns.

Did you make the right choice?

• Is your child excited about tomorrow? Or worried?
• Is your child having success in learning new skills?
• Does your child's activity improve family relations and support family values?
• Can your child maintain other activities?
• Homework, friendships, social functions?
• Does your child show any signs of too much stress?
• Is your child having fun?

Remember:

• Your child is the consumer.
• Focus on your child's goals not your own.
• Focus on learning, not winning.
• Kids should try all kinds of sports.
• Talk to your child about his activities.
• Keep participation fun!

See related Patient Textbooks about Pediatrics.

See related Patient Topics General, Pediatrics, Safety, Sports Fitness, Sports Safety or Wellness and Lifestyle.

See related Provider Textbooks about Pediatrics.

See related Provider Topics General, Pediatrics, Safety, Sports Fitness or Wellness and Lifestyle.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/funwithsports/index.html