When it comes to children and sport, parents often find themselves walking a tightrope. On one hand, there’s the desire to see children reap the many benefits of physical activity. On the other, there’s the worry about pushing too hard and turning sport into a source of stress rather than joy. So, what’s the right approach?
Some benefits of sport for our children
Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust, NHS and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport provide compelling evidence that participation in sport is hugely beneficial for children.
Physical health: Regular sport helps reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and many other health issues. According to Sport England’s 2023 Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, only 47% of children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation of at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Mental wellbeing: The Youth Sport Trust highlights that physically active children report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of anxiety. Advancements in technology are increasing the amount of time children spend on screens and sedentary pursuits, making the need for regular exercise even more important. Sport is a important real world activity that equips children with a powerful tool to manage stress.
Social Skills: Sports foster cooperation, communication, and leadership. Sport England notes that children who participate in sport are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and are better equipped to develop and maintain friendships.
Academic performance: There’s growing evidence that physical activity can boost concentration and academic achievement. The Youth Sport Trust reports that active children are more likely to achieve higher grades and attend school more regularly.
Some of the risks of over-pushing
However, the picture isn’t all rosy if innocent parental encouragement inadvertently turns into pressure.
Burnout and dropout: Research shows that children who feel pressured are more likely to experience burnout and lose interest in sport altogether. The Youth Sport Trust warns that “overly competitive environments can lead to negative experiences and early dropout.”
Mental health concerns: Excessive pressure can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Children need to feel that sport is fun and rewarding, not a source of fear or disappointment.
Loss of autonomy: Children thrive when they have a say in their activities. Forcing participation can undermine their sense of control and enjoyment.
Striking the right balance
As a parent eager to develop a lifelong love of sport and physical activity within my own children, I have seen them both have up’s and down’s within sport and their desire to participate. I have also wrestled with the following question multiple times over the years. How can parents encourage children to take part in sport without overstepping the mark?
Focus on fun: Emphasise enjoyment and personal development over winning and let children try different activities to find what they love. Remember that children are all individuals, develop at different speeds and have different interests. My daughter took to sports from an early age whereas my son was initially a little more reluctant. Recognising the right times (and the wrong times) to encourage your children to work hard at sports is crucial. Balancing your enthusiasm with respect for their limits and wishes.The strongest, fastest and most skilled athletes at 10 years old are not always the best at 18. Allow them to develop skills and physicality at their pace and don’t allow athletic development to overshadow their childhoods.
Be supportive, not controlling: Encourage effort and celebrate progress, but respect your child’s feelings. Listen if they express reluctance or discomfort.
Model active behaviour: Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents enjoying sport and physical activity.
Create a positive environment: Work with coaches and clubs that prioritise wellbeing and development, not just results.
Encouraging inactive children to discover the joy of physical activity These strategies, supported by NHS and Youth Sport Trust guidance, help create a positive environment where sedentary children can gradually become more active and develop healthy habits for life.
Be a role model: Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents or carers prioritising and enjoying physical activity themselves.
Make it fun: Focus on games and playful activities rather than just structured sports. Activities like tag, hide-and-seek, dancing, Nerf gun battles and cycling can make movement enjoyable and less of a chore. Offer children choices and let them try a variety of activities like walking, cycling, scooters, swimming, and playground/ park activities, alongside sports, so they can discover what they enjoy most.
Start small and build up: Even short, 10-minute bursts of activity count. Gradually increase the amount and intensity as your child becomes more comfortable.
Family Involvement: Participate in physical activities together, such as family walks, bike rides, or trips to the park, to make it a shared and supportive experience.
Limit screen and sedentary time: Set reasonable limits on TV, gaming, and device use to create more opportunities for active play. Encourage children to break up long periods of sitting with short bursts of activity throughout the day, rather than aiming for one long session.
Positive reinforcement: Praise and encourage any effort to be active, no matter how small, to help build confidence and motivation.
Routine and consistency: Incorporate small amounts of physical activity into daily routines, making it a normal and expected part of the day.
Conclusion
Sport and physical activities offer children a wealth of benefits, from better health to stronger friendships and improved academic performance. As parents, our role is to open the door to these opportunities—not to push children through it. By encouraging, supporting, and listening to our children, we can help them develop a lifelong love of sport and all the positives it brings.
Encouragement, not pressure, is the key to helping children thrive- in sport and in life.