Where are your kids now? Are they in front of the television watching cartoons? In the tuition class perhaps, learning abacus or Kumon? Or playing a computer game?
How much do they really play using their limbs and expending energy? As a nation, we overemphasize academic education at the cost of physical training!
Children integrate themselves easily, without inhibitions, into any kind of society. Take a child to watch other kids playing football and he/she is raring to kick the ball. A child watching other kids do gymnastics will try turning cartwheels!
In a child’s world, everything is possible; they do not doubt themselves as grown-ups do. The best place to foster this sense of self-confidence is on the playground. What they learn in the playground, they practice in life!
Let’s unfold certain facets of sports having the potential to improve personality!
- Problem Solving Skills
Children learn critical thinking and problem solving while playing games
Learning how to place a ball out of reach on the opponent’s court or negotiating a ball to the goal or tactically moving your chessmen on the board – all call for strategic problem-solving skills as part of child development!
Andre Agassi, long after retiring from professional tennis, revealed to Boris Becker how he accurately calculated Becker’s placement by observing his facial expressions. While playing children learn through trial and error techniques that make their game successful.
Unlike virtual games, field games cannot be replayed at will. With no second chances, children learn to strategize their games and spontaneously adapt as they go along. In the long term, it teaches them to be self- reliant and find ways to work around other life situations.
- Endurance
Children who play sports are resilient and focus on continuous development
Sport inculcates mental endurance – a vital facet of personality development. There is no sneak peek into the opponent’s game. Whether the game goes in the child’s favour or not, he has to rely on his technique and maintain a positive focus to continue playing.
There is something to be learnt with every stroke of the game. While the child plays, he is constantly looking for ways to perfect himself and clues to unravel the opponent’s game.
It is human instinct to overcome challenges. Sport teaches children to accept both success and defeat and move on to the next level. Young minds that are moulded by such experiences learn to build resilience to the highs and lows of life.
- Academic Proficiency
The focus and dedication that games teach can improve your child’s academic performance
All our successful endeavors serve as positive reinforcements for future actions. By learning a sport, a child imbibes motivation, determination, and the benefits of working towards a goal. The carry over advantage is better academic performance.
Studies highlight kids involved in regular physical activity perform better at school than their peers who do not play. They are superior at setting goals and managing their time. Exercise is known to relieve stress and the build-up of negative emotions. An emotionally healthy child can concentrate better at school.
They end result is an enhanced holistic child personality!
- Social Interaction
Children who play sports grow up to be confident around people
Children value being seen as sporty more than being viewed as nerdy or academic! Being a sportsperson carries stronger peer value among older children for being accepted into their groups. Such children are often more inclined towards leadership roles. Furthermore, they naturally evolve showcasing better social skills.
Sports also involve teamwork, wherein children learn to bond and cooperate with others. They learn to put aside their personal differences and selfish needs for the glory of the team. The support of teammates and coaches strengthens their self-esteem.
We know childhood is all about investing in joyful experiences that pave way for an emotionally secure and well-balanced adulthood. Personality development for kids is of paramount importance to all parents. What better way than to get them to do what they love anyway?
Play!