Recreational sports help children stay active, make friends, and practice discipline. Since there’s a wide selection of activities they can choose from, ensure your child enrolls in something they’ll enjoy. Making sure they’re ready and excited for their lessons will help them excel and possibly develop a lifelong passion.

Do:

Think about their age.

Some recreational sports are more accessible at different ages, so consider which is best for your child. Basketball and football, for example, are difficult for young children because of the strength and agility required. Wrestling or martial arts can be easier because they’re technique-based and don’t require any tools to perform.

Consider their strengths and weaknesses.

If they’re strong, tall, and well-built, football, wrestling, or baseball may be the perfect activity. If they’re small, fast, and agile, soccer and water polo may be best. Their bodies will change as they grow, and they’ll develop new talents, making other sports more accessible in the future.

Don’t:

Focus on winning.

Encourage them to make personal, achievable goals and to focus on each game rather than the outcome. If you make success the priority, your child will miss out on making friends and enjoying themselves. Recreational sports may become too stressful, causing them to lose interest.

Force commitment.

Forcing your child to over-commit can also make sports overwhelming. Some children are passionate about recreational sports, while others may be casual enthusiasts. If you make them over-train, they can injure themselves and won’t have time to play with friends, study for school, or enjoy other activities. Allow them to set their commitment level initially so that they can create a balance with the rest of their life.

Recreational sports can be extremely rewarding, and Hawaii Wrestling Academy encourages children of all ages to take part. Located in Aiea, HI, this Christian-based facility provides daily training opportunities for children of all skill levels. Their coaches are USA Wrestling-certified and bring over 60 years of experience to the mat. View their practice schedule online, or call (808) 381-3048 to inquire about enrollment.