How to Know When Kids are Ready for Sports

posted 5/5/23 -- After a long winter, spring is finally in the air. Parents are eager to get their children outside and perhaps even registered for one of the many sports programs offered to children.

Before you head out to your local school district or recreation department to sign-up, you must first consider whether your child is truly ready to participate. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself:

• Can your child separate from you easily?
• Is your child able to wait his or her turn?
• Does your child take direction and follow rules?
• How does your child react when things don’t go his or her way?
• Has your child expressed interest in playing a sport?

If you are convinced that your child is ready to participate in sports, you may still want to look into an instructional class rather than a competitive league. Even if the younger teams don’t officially keep score, young children are often more aware than we think. The level of attention and the yelling/cheering may also prove to be too much. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that team sports are better suited to children aged six years and older.

No matter what you choose, remember that fitness and fun are the main components of sports for younger children. With this approach, you can help your child to develop a lifelong love of being active and healthy.