Spring is the perfect time to encourage your kids to get involved.
Every year when the daffodils and crocuses start to bloom, I am overcome with an intense feeling of gratitude that soon, my kids will be expending all their energy out on the court or field, instead of inside the house with me.
It’s not that I don’t love spending time with them, but I think its super important to encourage children to take part in sports for a myriad of reasons. I like to balance family time with time with friends, and time spent doing the hobbies that they love. Children’s sports are a great way to do that, because it helps them socialize, gives them a healthy respect for rules, and creates camaraderie and teamwork that a family dynamic can’t always provide.
So encouraging my kids to join sports is not only beneficial for my sanity, but for their futures as well.
That being said, not every child is into sports, and even when they are, it takes some time to find the right match for them. Here are five great spring options for your kids to try out.
READ MORE: Kids Sports: Rules For Eating and Drinking During the Game
You can thank me when you are sipping wine out of a thermos on the sidelines.
Soccer. Soccer is an awesome beginner sport for kids, because it requires a lot of running, and can teach them coordination, which is super important.
Baseball and Softball. Team bonding is really important in baseball and softball, after all, the 3 million American kids involved in little league can’t all be wrong.
Track and Field. For kids who are a little on the introverted side, track and field gives them a chance to be part of a team, but also run solo. It’s important to remember that not every kid who loves physical activity wants to be the center of attention, so make sure you respect that and give your child the space to excel in their own way.
Lacrosse. One of my personal favorites, lacrosse is becoming more popular in the US in recent years, and for good reason. It works well for kids of all shapes and sizes, which is one of the reasons it is becoming so popular.
Field Hockey. If your child is a little more on the competitive side, field hockey might be a great option for them. It involves a lot of running and physical activity, and is also great for team building.
So there you have it. If you have been counting down the last days of winter, now is a great time to make a plan on how you are going to get your kids out of the house, and onto the field!