Does it seem like your child is spending far too much time indoors, maybe glued to the TV or video games, or uttering those dreaded two words “I’m bored”? If so, it may be time to find them a new hobby or activity that can keep them busy, one that is at the same time healthy for them. Sports are always a great option, as they are an excellent exercise for kids, gives them a chance to work on their social skills by meeting other kids, and depending on the sport, they will also work on their teamwork skills. While there are plenty of sports to choose from, maybe your child isn’t really into those “typical sports”.
To help you out, we’ve gone ahead and put together a list of three sports that are worth introducing to your kids, and that you may not have instantly thought of.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a fabulous sport for kids to learn. Through ice skating lessons they can branch out and get into competitive skating or even take those skills into the hockey rink and be that much better prepared to strap on hockey skates. Of course, before any of that starts to happen, it’s a good idea to start with the basics, which means skating lessons.
As for what gear and equipment they will need, good quality figure skates are at the top of the list. Buying figure skates for kids requires parents to really examine not just the fit but also the construction and materials used. You want your child to be comfortable in them and you want the skates to last as long as possible. Riedell Skates are an excellent option for any beginner, as they feature a “soft” model which is much more comfortable to wear. You can visit them in-person to be measured and fit properly, as skates don’t follow shoe sizes.
Swimming
Here’s a sport that is a fabulous exercise for kids, but can also prove to be a life-saving skill to know. You can start them in the Appropriate Swim Lesson and they can work up all the way into lifeguarding classes. While many look at swimming as a leisure activity, it can also be quite competitive. There are competitive swim teams and meets that your child can join, and really take this sport to a much more intense level.
Track and Field
Track and field is something that most kids will get to experience through school, and many schools have their own track team that will compete with other schools in the region. If your child shows an interest in the various events involved in track and field, you can look for outside clubs and teams that they can join. They can choose to specialize in one event or give everything a try so they can find their niche. This sport gives them a chance to compete on a solo level as well as being part of a team.
A Healthy and Fun Activity for Kids
Even if your child isn’t into the typical sports, there are still plenty of other, less talked about sports and teams they can pursue so they can work on their social skills, and maintain great physical fitness in the process.
