Backyard Sports Timeout – Where our coaches field parents’ questions about Team Sports and offer ways to make it the Fun, Enriching Experience it’s supposed to be
Q: My son is in 6th grade and all he wants to do is sit and play Minecraft on the computer. How can I get him off the couch and interested in a sport or physical activity – I’m worried about his health?
A: We face this all the time. This is where Mom and Dad earn the big bucks. It’s the parents’ job to expose their kid to different sports and different programs in order to find a good fit. What is it about the program that’s going to energize the child, so that he wants to go out and participate? What we need to do is immerse the kid in a situation, which is fun, inviting, and, more importantly, where he can see himself being successful. That is key.
Photo: (c)miguelb via Flickr
Why is your child so captivated by video games? In large part, because he is successful at it and gains immediate gratification from that success. One of the reasons why kids get turned off from sports is because when they have gone out there, they’ve experienced nothing but a broken heart or embarrassment. So, how do you find a program that is going to invite the child with limited interest and create an environment, which is both good for them and something which is going to build skills down the road? It’s a tough dilemma.
The Big Takeaway: I recently had a mom bring her son down to the program. It was a big environment and he saw 20, 30 kids out there playing. Because he felt awkward and intimidated, the last thing he wanted to do was to join in. We understood completely, so we told him, “This is about fun and about you. You’re the one that’s in charge. No one is going to make you do something that you don’t want to do.” Once the child realizes that he can be proactive, you get him to dip his toe in the water. It’s about the process, not the end result. So, a kid who may not be in tip-top shape, but trusts he won’t be judged, is going to feel more comfortable. Then the fun happens and now all of a sudden, you have a child that enjoys sports – maybe even more than Minecraft.
Backyard Sports provides weekend and after school sports instruction and game play for boys and girls ages 4-16 years old. Our programs are designed for EVERY child who desires a positive and healthy sports experience. #CompetitiveSportsDoneRight