Prepare your child for team sports

Team sports are a classic way to get children active socially and physically with their peers. Not all children are ready or willing to engage in a team sport and would rather choose a solitary activity. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that the pediatric neurological maturation process is very complex. The sense of social comparison is not achieved until after 6 years of age and the ability to understand the competitive nature of sports is usually not achieved until 9 years of age. By 12 years of age most children are mature enough to comprehend the complex tasks of sports and are physically and cognitively ready to participate in competitive sports with appropriate supervision.

Developmental guidelines

As the school year progresses there are several team activities that are available to your children. Here are a few suggestions to consider when deciding if your children are ready to engage in a team sport.

• Does he/she display an interest in organized sport?
• Is her/his emotional maturity similar to that of their peers?
• How well does your child accept defeat?
• How well does your child take directions from other adults?
• Is your child large enough and coordinated enough to minimize injury?

For children under the age of 6 years of age a team activity where no score is kept and everyone is a winner is a great way to learn skills. As children grow and mature they will become ready for the more competitive edge that is required. Up until the age of 11 years of age children are still learning how to build friendships, just as they are learning about teamwork.

Try to guide your child toward their interests and strengths. Make sure it is their desire to play a team sport and not an extension of a parent's ego. Sports can be another wonderful learning experience for participants and players alike.

Suicide rate for girls has increased

Federal health officials report in a 2006 study that the suicide rate among preteen and teenage girls rose to its highest level in a decade. This statistic affects girls from ages 10 - 14 years of age. The preferred method of suicide was hanging or suffocation (71%) which surpassed guns. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death. Every 15 minutes someone tries to take their own life and there are over 800,000 attempts a year.

Warning signs

This is a wake-up call for parents to become more aware of their children's emotional needs and the pressures that they face daily. Dr. Keri Lubell who led the study states, "Parents and other caring adults should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking one's life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future. Also look for changes in eating or sleeping habits, and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities."

Interventions

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising that health officials consider focusing on suicide prevention programs for girls 10 - 19 and boys between 15 -19 years of age to reverse these startling statistics. They also suggest that parents monitor or restrict children's access to pills, weapons, or other lethal means of self-harm.

Another important intervention would be to stay emotionally connected to your child by being involved in their school activities, friends, and academics. You can also plan family time together or special outings together to keep your relationships strong. Families that center their life on their faith and church have a strong foundation of love that also helps them endure the trials of life. If you see that your child is struggling and drifting from your family system, you may want to seek professional help as an intervention. Counseling could help your child cope with their anxiety and depression which can bring hope to the whole family.

Family meals nourish relationships

When both parents work outside of the home cooking the evening meal becomes another task to fit into an already busy schedule. Many families are eating on the run or in route to the evening activities for their children. Traditional family meals together are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. This family ritual has been an important bonding time for the family over several generations. It not only teaches your children the proper social etiquette when dining but also encourages healthy eating habits. Studies are also reporting that the children who eat a family meal together are not only engaging in a healthier lifestyle but their grades are better and they also display higher self-esteem.

Creative time management

If planning meals is a time consuming task for your family you may want to try Super Suppers or Make & Take Meals for an option. They both offer different menus each month. You call ahead to schedule your appointment to go in and make your meals. You can usually prepare 12 meals in a couple of hours. Take a helper with you and make it an activity to do with your children or significant other. It can help you save time, stay in your budget and eat nutritious meals. It sounds like a win/win for everyone.