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Individual and team sports are a great way for kids to spend free time. The benefits derived from sports participation are numerous and can be weighed against each other to see what holds the most benefit for your child. Pros of an individual sport include learning responsibility as the weight of the competition rests sorely on your shoulders. Win or lose, the result of a game like tennis or individual track events lies with the participant only and not on team members. Individual sports typically provide great exercise opportunities as there is less standing around than in team sports.
In a team sport such as baseball, soccer, or basketball, your child may have some down time while the ball is being controlled elsewhere or while they are forced to sit on the bench. The interruption in exercise is more than supplanted by the valuable life and team skills your child learns by participating on a team.
Kids who participate in sports are much more unlikely to develop weight issues than kids who don’t. Physical activity is paramount to a healthy weight and healthy habits and the physical benefits of sports is undeniable.
Encourage your child to try a team sport at least once even if her preference is with the individual sports. Team sports help kids to develop socially with peers and to work through potential issues as a team. This can result in more satisfying relationships with teachers, coaches, and other adults with who your child interacts. The important thing is not which type of sport your child plays, but the she has drive and encouragement to participate.
