For love of the game
How sports can enrich your child's life
All sports have benefits for
kids who participate. Individual
and team athletes can improve
self-discipline, increase selfesteem and even help children
perform better in school.
Lessons to learn
Team sports offer kids socialization and experience with the
concept of teamwork. Sports also
inspire improvement in both
mind and body.
These lessons are valuable
pieces to the growth puzzle and
sports allow kids to work on all
of these skills at once.
16
Hudson Valley Parent
August 2013
Where do I fit?
Some kids seem destined to
compete and are unfazed by
cheering crowds and the pressure
of having their team's success or
failure riding on their small
shoulders. Others will cower and
hope the ball doesn't find them
with the game on the line.
A timid child may not like team
competition, but that same child
may thrive in a sport such as
track, gymnastics, golf or tennis
where he or she can develop as
an individual.
Follow the leader
Remember, the best sport for
your child is the one he enjoys.
Provide a variety of opportunities
and follow his lead. Remember,
your child can have a good
experience, win or lose.
Finding Teams
Looking for teams or
programs? Check with your
school, town recreation
department, CYO, AAU and
other organizations that offer
individual and team competition
to suit beginners through travel
level players.
Laurie Bryant is a freelance writer.
She lives in Lagrangeville with her
husband and two sons.
hudson river performing arts center dance instruction
little lambs preschool
open doors educational advocates
