Sports are a major part of modern society today. Many of us have grown up watching a variety of sports and participating in some as well. Even many of those who weren't active in athletics become followers of a particular sport or team once they get older. With the growing popularity of these pastimes, more and more children are participating in sports, oftentimes to a much more serious degree than was typically done in the past. As a result, sport classes for kids are increasingly common and there is some debate as to the benefits that they offer.
Developing social skills, teamwork and sportsmanship are reasons that are often given in favor of kids participating in these classes. It is difficult to argue against these points as it is quite clear that this is certainly an avenue for developing these important traits. Few would argue that such development would not benefit children in many ways in their youth and throughout adulthood as well.
The downside of this is the possibility for some children to develop an over-competitive nature or, on the other end of the spectrum, to be turned off by competition altogether. As is the case in life in general, neither of these extremes are highly desirable.
Modern society includes a degree of stress that can be harmful, especially to children. Participation in sport is often claimed to be a way to release and deal with some of this tension. This is in part related to the physical activity involved as well as the social aspect alluded to previously.
The other side of this is that the classes and the related competition can actually add stress rather than helping to relieve and to deal with it. There is oftentimes an inordinate amount of pressure that comes along with competition. Coaches, parents and peers can all be external sources while the child may also place undue pressure upon himself or herself.
Probably the most commonly referenced benefit is the simple fact that participation in sport provides the child with much-needed physical exercise. With progressively sedentary lifestyles these days, this is a very important consideration in the overall health of children and in establishing healthy habits for adulthood.
The downside of this is the chance of injury that comes along with certain activities. This obviously will be different depending upon the chosen sport. High-risk ones such as American football are more likely to put kids in danger of suffering a severe injury but even less risky sports like golf or tennis are not immune to injuries that can have lingering effects.
It is clear that there are both benefits and drawbacks to sport classes for kids. There is little to no black and white in this debate and, because everyone is different, it is up to each child and his or her parents to decide what is best for him or her. This will depend upon the personality and needs of the child as well as the benefits and risks involved.
Developing social skills, teamwork and sportsmanship are reasons that are often given in favor of kids participating in these classes. It is difficult to argue against these points as it is quite clear that this is certainly an avenue for developing these important traits. Few would argue that such development would not benefit children in many ways in their youth and throughout adulthood as well.
The downside of this is the possibility for some children to develop an over-competitive nature or, on the other end of the spectrum, to be turned off by competition altogether. As is the case in life in general, neither of these extremes are highly desirable.
Modern society includes a degree of stress that can be harmful, especially to children. Participation in sport is often claimed to be a way to release and deal with some of this tension. This is in part related to the physical activity involved as well as the social aspect alluded to previously.
The other side of this is that the classes and the related competition can actually add stress rather than helping to relieve and to deal with it. There is oftentimes an inordinate amount of pressure that comes along with competition. Coaches, parents and peers can all be external sources while the child may also place undue pressure upon himself or herself.
Probably the most commonly referenced benefit is the simple fact that participation in sport provides the child with much-needed physical exercise. With progressively sedentary lifestyles these days, this is a very important consideration in the overall health of children and in establishing healthy habits for adulthood.
The downside of this is the chance of injury that comes along with certain activities. This obviously will be different depending upon the chosen sport. High-risk ones such as American football are more likely to put kids in danger of suffering a severe injury but even less risky sports like golf or tennis are not immune to injuries that can have lingering effects.
It is clear that there are both benefits and drawbacks to sport classes for kids. There is little to no black and white in this debate and, because everyone is different, it is up to each child and his or her parents to decide what is best for him or her. This will depend upon the personality and needs of the child as well as the benefits and risks involved.
