Organized sports increase children's fitness and self-esteem

AORN Journal, Dec, 1998 by Miriam A. Wallace

Even if professional sports are not in your child's future, organized sports offer benefits to your child that can last a lifetime, according to a press release from the US General Services Administration, Consumer Information Center. Not only do children who play organized sports become more physically fit, they also have higher self-esteem. Children involved in organized sports learn cooperation, self-discipline, perseverance, and social skills while doing something fun.

Parents can help their children get involved in organized sports by spending some time with them learning about and trying different sports. The best sport for a child is one that he or she finds interesting and fun. "Your Child and Organized Sports," a free publication from the MetLife Consumer Education Center and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, offers the following helpful tips for parents and children to get the most out of organized sports.

* Consult your physician--bring your children in for pre-sports checkups.

* Be prepared to make your own commitment to the sport--your children will need the proper sports equipment and transportation to and from events. Show your children your full support by making every effort to attend their practices and games.

* Teach the concept of "fair play" by not boasting when your child wins and avoiding criticism of other players and coaches.

* Encourage your children to give their best effort and to respect their teammates, coaches, and opponents.

* Stress the fun of the game more than the winning. For a free copy of "Your Child and Organized Sports," call (719) 948-4000 and ask for item 635E, or send your name and address to: Consumer Information Center, Dept 634E, Pueblo, CO 81009.

Your Child and Organized Sports (press release, Pueblo, Cola: US General Services Administration, Consumer Information Center, August 1998) 1.