The benefits of children playing sports far exceed just “getting them out of the house.”
How many of you played sports as a kid? I did not start playing sports until I reached junior high school (now middle school). Today, children are participating in sports as early as elementary school. The benefits to children who play sports, from mental and physical to social, are remarkable. Research suggests this early involvement in sports may have a lasting impact on one’s level of physical activity and health as an adult.
Physical Health Benefits
Engaging in physical sports provides substantial health benefits for children. Unfortunately, childhood obesity rates have continued to rise in our country. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children and adolescents are obese. Sports can help reduce the risk of obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Organizations such as Who We Play For have highlighted the risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in children. There have been a growing number of incidents of young athletes suffering SCA on the field because of an undiagnosed heart condition. In fact, Who We Play For reports that one in three hundred young athletes participates with a detectable and potentially life-threatening heart condition. As a result, organizations like Who We Play For offer free Electro Cardiograph (ECG) screenings for athletes, helping to identify a potentially life-threatening condition before it is too late.
The health benefits of youth participating in sports extend beyond the heart. Children who are active in sports develop stronger bones, tendons, and muscle tone. Additionally, they will benefit from improved hand-eye coordination, increased strength, and overall better functional movement. While our children will benefit from their participation in sports, parents can help to maximize these benefits by supporting their children with a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Mental Health Benefits
Youth mental health concerns continue to frequent local and national news, raising awareness about the challenges of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among children. According to the University of San Diego, “some of the psychological benefits to youth sports include lower stress levels, lower rates of anxiety and depression, greater self-confidence and higher self-esteem, improved cognitive performance, and more creativity.”
Additionally, the National Athletic Trainers Association states that “there are stronger peer relationships along with greater family attachment and more frequent interactions with parents” seen in children who play sports. In addition, the Aspen Institute states that any type of physical activity has been found to be linked with improvement academically. Engaging in sports may help mitigate the negative stressors in our children’s lives and provide the essential skills necessary to flourish both academically and socially.
A Lifelong Impact
Are you a physically active adult? The Aspen Institute found a direct correlation between adolescents who play sports and those that continued to play into their twenties and thirties. If we start our children in sports, they are more likely to be healthy young adults and hopefully promote a cycle of health across generations.
The Joy of Playing Sports
Involving our children in sports can significantly impact their physical, mental, and social health, instilling a lifelong appreciation for healthy choices. Not to mention, it can be just plain fun!
References:
University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education, (2024). The Benefits of Youth Sports in Child Development. Link
National Athletic Trainers Association, (2024). The Benefits of Sports. Link
Aspen Institute, (2024). Youth Sports Facts: Benefits. Link
Center for Disease Control, (April 2, 2024). Childhood Obesity Facts. Link
"Ready to support your child’s journey to better health and wellness through sports? Contact Jennifer Mahl at Radiantly Healthy MD today for expert guidance and resources tailored to your family’s needs!"
Comments