Sports are a major part of modern society today. Many of us have grown up watching a variety of sports and participating in some as well. Even many of those who weren't active in athletics become followers of a particular sport or team once they get older. With the growing popularity of these pastimes, more and more children are participating in sports, oftentimes to a much more serious degree than was typically done in the past. As a result, sport classes for kids are increasingly common and there is some debate as to the benefits that they offer.
The development of such attributes as sportsmanship, teamwork, and social skills is an important part of sports participation that proponents of these classes often cite. There is little argument that this can be true if the classes are conducted in a proper manner. There is also not much debate that such skills are valuable not only during childhood but all throughout life in many aspects.
On the other side of this argument is the concern about the effect of competition on developing youth. Some may be prone to being excessively competitive, which can be a hindrance socially and beyond. Others may have issues with lowered self-esteem if they are not as successful, which can have a wide range of negative effects on children as well as adults.
Many children these days are under an inordinate amount of stress, which is obviously not a healthy thing. Sport classes are often seen as a healthy outlet for the problems that plague us, partly because of the physical activity that they provide and partly from the social aspect.
The other side of this is that the classes and the related competition can actually add stress rather than helping to relieve and to deal with it. There is oftentimes an inordinate amount of pressure that comes along with competition. Coaches, parents and peers can all be external sources while the child may also place undue pressure upon himself or herself.
Probably the most commonly referenced benefit is the simple fact that participation in sport provides the child with much-needed physical exercise. With progressively sedentary lifestyles these days, this is a very important consideration in the overall health of children and in establishing healthy habits for adulthood.
One drawback to this added exercise is the risk of injury that is inherent in many such activities. American football, rugby and other collision sports obviously have a higher risk than ones such as tennis and golf, but none are completely free of jeopardizing the health of the participants. Major and minor injuries can both have long-lasting effects, both physically and mentally.
Sport classes for kids quite clearly offer a number of advantages but also have drawbacks that need to be considered as well. There is no one-size-fits-all answer on whether to participate and how to do it. Each child has a distinct personality and needs and these must be taken into consideration by the parents when deciding what is best for their son or daughter.
The development of such attributes as sportsmanship, teamwork, and social skills is an important part of sports participation that proponents of these classes often cite. There is little argument that this can be true if the classes are conducted in a proper manner. There is also not much debate that such skills are valuable not only during childhood but all throughout life in many aspects.
On the other side of this argument is the concern about the effect of competition on developing youth. Some may be prone to being excessively competitive, which can be a hindrance socially and beyond. Others may have issues with lowered self-esteem if they are not as successful, which can have a wide range of negative effects on children as well as adults.
Many children these days are under an inordinate amount of stress, which is obviously not a healthy thing. Sport classes are often seen as a healthy outlet for the problems that plague us, partly because of the physical activity that they provide and partly from the social aspect.
The other side of this is that the classes and the related competition can actually add stress rather than helping to relieve and to deal with it. There is oftentimes an inordinate amount of pressure that comes along with competition. Coaches, parents and peers can all be external sources while the child may also place undue pressure upon himself or herself.
Probably the most commonly referenced benefit is the simple fact that participation in sport provides the child with much-needed physical exercise. With progressively sedentary lifestyles these days, this is a very important consideration in the overall health of children and in establishing healthy habits for adulthood.
One drawback to this added exercise is the risk of injury that is inherent in many such activities. American football, rugby and other collision sports obviously have a higher risk than ones such as tennis and golf, but none are completely free of jeopardizing the health of the participants. Major and minor injuries can both have long-lasting effects, both physically and mentally.
Sport classes for kids quite clearly offer a number of advantages but also have drawbacks that need to be considered as well. There is no one-size-fits-all answer on whether to participate and how to do it. Each child has a distinct personality and needs and these must be taken into consideration by the parents when deciding what is best for their son or daughter.
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Pros And Cons Of Sport Classes For Kids