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.
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.
As the school year progresses there are several team activities that are available to your children. Here 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 the 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.
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