We know that computer and mobile games are addictive, but if your kids are indulging too much in these, then it may be time to advise and educate them about sports. If you have no idea where to start, here are seven reasons why sports are good for your kids’ overall well-being.
-
Improves productivity
There are numerous health benefits of playing sports. Aside from maintaining a healthy weight to building better endurance, sports are good for boosting productivity. Blood flow to your brain increases when you exercise, and this can help to enhance your alertness in school. If your child doesn’t have time to put in time to exercise each day, start small – such as getting off one bus-stop earlier to walk home or taking the stairs.
-
Build confidence and self-esteem
Maria Sharapova, Usain Bolt, Lionel Messi… These athletes are on TV, newspapers, social media, and billboards. More importantly, they are cool, confident, and exude positivity. Choose a sport that your kids would like the most, and show them who are the best in the game. Then again, no sports are easy. But the hard work you put in and watching it pay off gives you the confidence and satisfaction. The tough but rewarding process can help your child build better self-esteem and set other goals in life.
-
Make new friends
Playing sports is a good way to develop social skills. It gives your kids an opportunity to make new friends, and have a social life outside school. Team-based sports activities involve communications and problem solving, leaving no room for shyness. In the long term, it teaches your kids the skills to dealing with difficult people at workplace and elsewhere.
-
Improved immunity
Regular exercise can help improve your immunity against the common cold and other illnesses. With an improved immunity, this means fewer sick days and having more fun with friends and keeping up with work at school!
-
Learn to lose
Sports is a game of winning and losing. Learning to play it also means learning to accept losses as graciously as possible. It is honorable, respectful, and not a bad thing after all. Sportsmanship can be applied to many other aspects of life outside sports.
-
Respect Authority
What better ways to learn discipline than from sports? There are rules to follow, directions to take, responsibilities to bear, and teamwork to nurture. All of these require discipline (in tactical, mental and physical aspects), and is a great way for your kids to learn that virtue.
-
Get quality family time
This one is more for the parents: your kids are not the only ones to benefit from participation in sporting activities. As a parent, you get to attend their games and cheer them on. This is a terrific way to bond and get to know your kids better.
Make sure your kids receive proper hydration at all times with a Thermos® Sports Bottle, designed to keep drinks cold for at least six hours. Check out our newly launched designs, which come with reflective printing, new colours and an enhanced pouch strap. Find out more here.