Children can run a parent ragged. Of course, if your child is active, they may be thinking about playing a sport at school. Choosing the right sport for your child may seem like a hard task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things to consider when helping your child choose.

Child’s temperament

Think about your child’s temperament. Are they loners or do they enjoy spending time with others? Do they excel at competing against their self or are they competitive with others? How well do they follow authority? All of these would be questions you may want to ask about your child.

Some children are naturally athletic and natural daredevils. These are often boys, but not necessarily. Non-aggressive children can also be athletic, they may prefer being physically active but don’t have the “killer instinct”. Some children aren’t particularly athletic but they enjoy being active. Sedentary children may not be interested in sports at all. If this is the case, you may not want to push your child into playing a sport.

Team or individual

If your child is interested in playing a sport, are they more of a loner or the center of attention? Does your child have many friends or only one or two? Answering these two questions may help you determine whether your child would prefer an individual or team sport.

Children that prefer to be alone may enjoy playing tennis, golf, swimming, gymnastics, or martial arts. Children that thrive being around others would probably enjoy team sports such as football, cricket, rugby, hockey, or lacrosse.

What age?

It may be difficult to recognize when your child is ready to play sports. Each child matures in their own time, so you can’t give a definitive answer to the question. Watch your child to see how they play with other children, particularly siblings. If they continually have disagreements or are physical with others they may not be ready or old enough to play sports.

Financial impact

Most parents would love to give their children everything they want; however, they know that doing so won’t serve the child well. Think about how much each sport your child is interested in will cost. Some sports, like motor racing, require considerable finances, whereas a sport like football would cost less.

Time required

A sport, no matter which one you choose, will require both you and your child to spend a good deal of time on it. The child will have practices and games to attend; you’ll be expected to transport the child to and from practices and your child will expect you to attend each game. Of course, some sports, like gymnastics, require long practice times – often early in the morning and in the afternoon once the child has reached a certain level.

Choosing the right sport for your child could take some time if you want your child to enjoy themselves. Take your child’s likes, dislikes, and temperament into consideration when helping them choose. Then when you’ve chosen, stand back and watch them have a ball!