The benefits of playing sports for teens are plenty. If you wonder why it is essential for teenagers to play sports, you would be surprised at the number of benefits it holds for good health and the promotion of social and interpersonal skills. As parents, with teens spending more time indoors, glued to their screens, it’s crucial to nudge and inspire them to take up regular exercise as part of their daily routine. And introducing sports to teens early on is a fun way to help them understand why it’s essential to be physically active and its role in their academic performance and mental well-being. Here is how you can help them enjoy playing a sport or any physical activity.
What Are The Benefits Of Playing A Sport For Teens?
Playing sports helps in staying fit. But this is not the only benefit your teen will have if he engages in sports. Here is a quick look at how playing sports can benefit your teen (1):
1. Social Development:
Playing sports will first and foremost help your teen grow socially. As your teen spends more time with his peers, he will learn to come out of his shell and interact better. Your teen may be shy or self-conscious but as he meets other sports enthusiasts he will gain self-confidence (2).
2. Leadership Qualities:
Sports are an excellent exercise to build team spirit and leadership skills. He will learn how to coordinate and cooperate with his team members. He will also learn to keep the interest of the entire team on top priority instead of thinking about his individual performance only (3).
3. Long Lasting Friendships:
Many adults will vouch for not only striking goals but also friendship on the playground! Your teen will form some of his closest bonds during these growing up years, right on the playground. As your teen shares his fears and his secrets with these youngsters, he is sure to form some very strong bonds that may last a lifetime (4).
4. Coach As A Role Model:
Most trainers and coaches act as role models for teens. Your teen may not listen to you, but chances are, he will not say no to his coach. Your teen’s coach will mentor him and teach him about the importance of discipline in life (5).
5. Stamina:
As your teen trains to play sports, he will slowly and steadily build his stamina. Sports will help your teen stay healthy by being physically active. Your teen will soon start enjoying these workout sessions. Real sports are also a great way to increase your teen’s mental health and strength (6).
6. Time Management:
When your teen gets involved in sports, he will also start managing his time better. Your teen will try to strike a balance between studies and sports, and this will mean he will start following a routine and utilizing his time productively. In addition to this, he will also develop a competitive spirit.
Sports Your Teen Can Get Involved In
Your teen will highly benefit from playing one or more of the following sports:
Basketball Cricket Football Athletics Tennis Badminton Volleyball
A Few Health Tips To Remember
Your teen will need more nutrition when he plays a sport. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Your teen should drink more fluids while playing a sport in the sun to avoid dehydration or heat strokes.
Find out the right sports drink that is safe for your teen to drink.
Ensure your teen wears the right sports gear and appropriate clothing.
Ensure your teen eats a well-balanced diet in order to keep up with the high energy demands of the sports activity.
Before your teen goes for the sports, give him something to eat that will be light yet nutritious and filling.
Physical development Personality development Psychosocial development Reduced risk of addiction
