The importance of kids and sport

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are many Australian children not involved in any sport. To avoid issues with future health as children move through their childhood, it is important for parents and carers to instil the importance of sport to our kids.

The benefits of children and sport are endless however a few key benefits include:

  • Reduces risk of obesity – The Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing states that a quarter of Australian children are overweight or obese? That statistic is quite shocking and highlights the fact that if children aren’t involved in regular physical activity there is a high chance that the obesity will continue throughout their adult life.
  • Helps develop a child’s body – Sport helps to grow & strengthen a child’s bones and muscles as well as improve their coordination and balance.While being a fun and enjoyable activity, sport develops the body and works to enforce a lifetime of healthy living practices.
  • Encourages a better night sleep – The fact is, the more your child is active, the better they will sleep. Unfortunately, there are studies that show that 7 out of 10 children are not getting the right amount of sleep. Life Education stresses a good night sleep helps health and well being. There are some great tools for finding out how many hours sleep your child needs based on their age as well which can be very handy.
  • Sport improves social skills – Being part of a team helps your little one improve their social skills. They will learn the importance of inclusion, cooperation and leadership. These are all personal skills that help our children to thrive.
  • Has a positive effect on mental health – Sport can reduce the risk of stress, anxiety and depression in children. It can allow your child to have a greater sense of confidence and self-worth. We all know how, as an adult, we get a rush of serotonin when we work out and exercise and for children, the feeling is no different.

There are endless benefits to getting your child involved in a sport. The best thing is that sport can be fun, and you can get involved with your children too. By living a healthy and active life and enjoying your daily dose of sport the health benefits can not only improve your child’s lifelong health but also be enjoyed by the whole family.

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