When is my toddler ready for sports?
Sport teaches children vital life skills from discipline to commitment. Here's how to know if your toddler is ready to participate in sports.
When is the right age for your toddler to take part in sporting activities? We chat with Sebastijan Ribic of Football Academy Plus for his expert opinion…
Your toddler’s personality and developmental level
Organised sport can help children grow in many ways, including working in a team and improving physical skills such as balance and coordination. These days toddlers can sign up for activities ranging from yoga to soccer. But before signing up a small child for sports, parents should consider their child’s personality and developmental level to ensure that the experience is positive for everyone.
“If a child is emotionally and physically ready to participate in group sport, there is no reason to hold them back,” says Ribic. “But it’s important to select the right programme, or you may risk putting them off sport for good.”
Your toddler’s attention span
Children only start developing appropriate skills and attention span at age six or seven. Sure, toddlers can throw, kick and run, but it takes some time to coordinate those skills and to grasp concepts like taking turns. Before they start going to school, the goal should be to have fun and be active, without pressuring them to perform or compete.
At toddler age, parents should look for a club or league that emphasises fun, teamwork, and basic skills. “Children need a safe space to develop their skills and gain confidence,” Ribic explains.
Parents should consider their own needs
Ribic also advises that parents consider their own needs, lifestyles, and time constraints.
“It’s important to be realistic about how involved you (and your child) can be in a sports club. If the club expects parents to organise everything from coaching to team snacks and transportation, three afternoons a week, you may struggle to balance all your commitments,” he says.
“If you need a club that takes your child entirely off your hands for three hours on the weekend and keeps them entertained and safe without your involvement, be honest about that and upfront with the club or league. If you are running yourself ragged, the experience becomes unpleasant for everyone involved, rather than positive and affirming.”
Individual attention is crucial
Because children of this age group require special attention and skills, Ribic says that individual attention is crucial. “Speak to the coaches beforehand to determine whether it will be a good fit for your child,” he adds. “If children are simply stuck on a field kicking the ball around without instruction, they are going to get bored. Likewise, if they are expected are pressured to perform beyond their abilities, they will get fearful. Make sure that the club caters for all skill levels and ages.”
Make the experience fun
Toddlers don’t appreciate the benefits of building a skill or even being good at something. They are hard-wired to learn through play. Ensure that the activity allows kids to burn off energy and develop athletic skills, without making it seem like a chore.
