When summer comes around and children are free from school for many weeks, it’s important to make sure that they keep active, but for busy working families, this may be easier said than done.
However, there are a number of ways in which you can keep children fit and healthy over the summer, including sports-based summer holiday clubs. Here are just four reasons why sport is beneficial when it comes to child development:
1 Physical development
Sport involves many types of exercise, including running, jumping and swimming. Not only does this help to keep children fit, it also develops strong and healthy muscles, joints and bones.
2 Motor skills
Through sports, children enhance valuable motor skills, including balance, hand-eye co-ordination and spatial awareness. These are all important skills that are put to use in day-to-day situations, not just in sports. Sport also requires concentration and discipline, leading to a positive attitude towards learning.
3 Social skills
Playing team sports encourages friendships and promotes teamwork. Interacting with different people requires compassion and a supportive nature is hugely beneficial. A child’s communication skills will improve through interaction with a team and this will help in any situation that requires meeting new people and making friends throughout their lives.
4 Self-esteem
It’s long been believed that sport can promote self-esteem and confidence in children. Being surrounded by supportive teams and coaches can offer encouragement and make children know that they are valued. Learning to humbly celebrate achievements and graciously accept defeats is really important for a strong, confident personality.
In sport, children will also push themselves to the best of their abilities to meet goals and targets, will be actively encouraged to improve, and can celebrate when they do. By continuously learning and improving skills, children
will see a huge boost to their self-esteem.
Taken from www.summerschooldirectory.co.uk
