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Active bodies lead to Calm & Connected minds!
It is a proven fact that regular participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence promotes & supports self-awareness, positive body image, self-confidence and self-esteem. This is especially important for girls.
In addition, sports and physical activity regulates hormones, releases body and emotional stress and tension, helps guard against depression, improves academic performance and reduces the risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, bone fractures, breast cancer, and other illnesses.
I was always involved in sports-either township sponsored or informal games played in the middle of our street. I loved learning new skills and meeting new kids. It was the best time of my life.
Over the years I have seen a shift towards a different school of thought that repeats the mantra of, "competition is bad" and I strongly disagree. Competition, done in the spirit of camaraderie, and fun, teaches empowering skills and lessons-such as self-regulation, self- improvement, trust, communication, strategy, teamwork, as well as how to win-and lose-graciously. (In fact, most times competition is a problem is when too many parents cannot just let the kids play and let the coaches coach.) When we undermine the value of competition and give everyone a medal just for showing up and participating, (that is past the age of 5 years old) then we are taking away valuable learning opportunities for our kids and sending the message that even the slackers (or unskilled) get rewarded.
Sports are a good way to get girls to focus on something other than their appearance. Playworks Guest blogger Elizabeth Labedz shares how she created an after school program that encourages girls to try new skills. Read her post here.
Moms, what sports did you or does your daughter play? What skills were learned through your chosen sport? Leave your comments below.
It is a proven fact that regular participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence promotes & supports self-awareness, positive body image, self-confidence and self-esteem. This is especially important for girls.
In addition, sports and physical activity regulates hormones, releases body and emotional stress and tension, helps guard against depression, improves academic performance and reduces the risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, bone fractures, breast cancer, and other illnesses.
I was always involved in sports-either township sponsored or informal games played in the middle of our street. I loved learning new skills and meeting new kids. It was the best time of my life.
Over the years I have seen a shift towards a different school of thought that repeats the mantra of, "competition is bad" and I strongly disagree. Competition, done in the spirit of camaraderie, and fun, teaches empowering skills and lessons-such as self-regulation, self- improvement, trust, communication, strategy, teamwork, as well as how to win-and lose-graciously. (In fact, most times competition is a problem is when too many parents cannot just let the kids play and let the coaches coach.) When we undermine the value of competition and give everyone a medal just for showing up and participating, (that is past the age of 5 years old) then we are taking away valuable learning opportunities for our kids and sending the message that even the slackers (or unskilled) get rewarded.
Sports are a good way to get girls to focus on something other than their appearance. Playworks Guest blogger Elizabeth Labedz shares how she created an after school program that encourages girls to try new skills. Read her post here.
Moms, what sports did you or does your daughter play? What skills were learned through your chosen sport? Leave your comments below.
Further Reading:
The Importance of Sports
The Case Against Competition
Coaches key in making competition a positive or negative sport experience for athletes
8 Life Lessons from the Winter Olympics in Sochi
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