Introducing sports to your child aged two to three
Sport gives toddlers the chance to be active at a young age but it’s important that their first experience with sport is a positive one.
With so many options available, toddlers aged two to three can now participate in a wide range of sporting activities from yoga to fencing. However, before enrolling a young child in sports, parents should examine their personality and developmental level to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience.
When to introduce your toddler to sports
When is the best time to start teaching kids about sports, you may ask? “There is no need to keep a child back if they are emotionally and physically ready to participate in a group sport,” says Sebastijan Ribic of Football Academy Plus. “However, you must choose the correct programme or you risk permanently discouraging them from participating in sports.”
At the age of six or seven, according to Ribic, children begin to develop sufficient abilities and attention span. “Toddlers can throw, kick, and run, but it takes time for them to develop coordination and grasp concepts like “taking turns”. Prior to starting school, the goal should be for children to have fun and be active without being pressured to perform or compete. Parents should look for a club or league that emphasises enjoyment, teamwork, and fundamental abilities at that age.”
Starting at grassroots
Because it is less competitive and open to children of all ages and skills, an informal outdoor sports club can be less daunting than a professional league school. “Children are provided a safe area to improve their skills and gain confidence because these groups focus on participation and teamwork rather than going to the final,” Ribic explains. “It will also assist pre-schoolers to build social skills before entering a classroom because kids will learn to work as part of a team, listen to the coach, and follow the game rules.”
Parents should also consider their personal needs, according to Ribic.
“It’s critical to be realistic about your (and your child’s) ability to participate in a sports club. You may find it difficult to balance all of your responsibilities if the club asks parents to organise everything from coaching to team food and transportation three afternoons a week. Be honest with yourself if you need a club to take your child off your hands for three hours on the weekend and keep them entertained and secure without your involvement. When you work yourself to exhaustion, the experience becomes unpleasant for all parties involved, rather than positive and affirming.”
Selecting the right sport for your child
Individual attention is critical for children of this age range, according to Ribic, because they require specific attention and skills.
“Talk to the coaches ahead of time to see whether it’ll be a good fit for your youngster. Children will become bored if they are simply left on a field kicking the ball about without instruction. Similarly, people will get afraid if they are expected and pressured to perform beyond their capabilities. Ensure that the club caters to people of all ages and ability levels.”
The important thing is for the kids to have a good time and learn from it.
“At that age, youngsters don’t understand the value of developing a talent or simply being good at something. They are biologically programmed to learn through play. Make sure the activity helps children to expend energy and improve athletic skills without appearing to be a chore,” Ribic concludes.
