Research shows that sports are important for the successful development of children.
Especially at a young age, a child’s cognitive development is closely linked to their motor development.
Even intellectual abilities in early childhood are indirectly measured through motor tests.
Well-developed motor skills enable children to explore the world, get to know their environment, and maintain concentration for longer periods, which helps them in learning.
Studies also show that children who participate in sports have higher self-confidence, better time management skills, and are more responsible.
What do the statistics say:
However, despite all the benefits, every year an increasing number of children at younger ages quit sports and stop engaging in physical activity.
Statistics show that in 2008, 45% of children under 13 years old trained in some sport, while in 2021 that number dropped to 37%.
Also, depending on the research, 50-70% of children quit sports by the age of 13.
The situation among girls is even more discouraging than among boys.
Such numbers are the result of the interaction of many factors: the demands of the education system and the almost non-existent dual career of sport and education, the demands of sports systems—with a strong focus only on the competitive aspect of sport—the expectations and pressure from parents, and the lack of peer support.
So, how to keep children in sports:
To begin with, it’s important to know that many behaviors are learned through modeling, which means that children (and adults) observe and then imitate the actions and behaviors of people around them.
If you want to be a good role model for your children, you should also engage in some form of physical activity.
Children of parents who exercise more often express a desire to participate in sports and tend to stay involved in sports longer.
Speaking of good role models, if your child expresses a desire to stop training, suggest watching a good sports documentary together or reading a sports biography.
Take them to a sports game, race, or match in the sport your child practices.
Your child is more likely to continue with sports if they look up to a particular athlete.
Furthermore, some children quit because they don’t like competitiveness and don’t enjoy competing.
In that case, help your child find a recreational form of physical activity.
Not every child needs to become a professional athlete, but it is certainly good for them to be involved in some form of physical activity.
Talk with your child. Ask why they want to quit and find out what the problem is.
If the issue is with the coach or teammates, suggest changing the environment (club).
If they are overly tired, suggest reducing the number of training sessions.
Don’t let them quit “right away” and without explanation.
Children in sports learn responsibility, fulfilling obligations, and time management.
They also learn that they shouldn’t give up when things get tough, but sometimes need to “grit their teeth.”
Take the opportunity to explain to your child the life values you want them to understand and adopt.
Of course, if you notice that your child is very unhappy and dissatisfied, don’t force them to continue.
Instead, offer an alternative solution (another sport, another club, another coach).
Communication is the key to everything.
Give your child the time and space to explain why they want to quit.
Don’t threaten or intimidate them.
If they are truly unhappy, allow them to step away and rest.
And definitely try to help them find an alternative form of physical activity if they don’t continue with their current one.
Just as there is a period in life for education, there is also a period in life for starting to practice sports.
BUT, perhaps even more importantly, there is a period in life when life values and healthy habits are adopted.
We view sports as a “school for life” because children will learn many lessons if they start early and stay involved in sports long enough.
Remember, a healthy mind lives in a healthy (trained) body!
Dora Dragičević, MSc in Psychology
