«Sport not only strengthens children physically, but also their minds, nurturing their mental and emotional well-being»

Engaging in sports is fundamental for the holistic development of children. It not only provides obvious physical benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, muscle development, and motor coordination, but also has a significant impact on their psychological and social well-being.

Firstly, sports promote an active lifestyle, which helps prevent sedentary-related diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, by participating in sports activities, children learn to set goals, work as a team, and develop leadership and communication skills. These social skills are crucial for their success in adulthood, both personally and professionally.

Moreover, sports are also a powerful tool for emotional development. Through sports, children learn to manage stress and pressure, handle frustration, and develop resilience in the face of defeat. They learn to value effort, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that will be useful in all areas of their lives.

Establishing the habit of participating in sports from a young age is crucial to fully reap these benefits. It is important for children to see sports as something fun and stimulating, not as an obligation. Therefore, sports activities should be tailored to their interests and abilities, fostering an environment of play and enjoyment.

Psychological benefits of sports

The psychological advantages of participating in sports have been studied and endorsed by numerous studies. Among all the benefits, the following stand out:

Rule integration. Rules in sports are taught differently, as the activity itself allows children to clearly see where the boundaries (the rules of the game) are, and the consequences of not respecting them are experienced firsthand.

Pablo has been playing chess since he was 8 years old. In this game, the rules are clear and precise. If he makes a mistake, such as moving a piece incorrectly, he loses the game. Through this experience, Pablo learns the importance of following the rules and understands the consequences of not respecting them.

Emotional improvement. The release of endorphins makes children feel happier and more positive about themselves (improves self-esteem).

Laura has been attending ballet classes since she was 6 years old. After each session, she feels happy and content. The intense physical activity releases endorphins in her body, providing her with a sense of well-being and lifting her mood. As a result, Laura feels more positive about herself and her surroundings.

Discipline, dedication, and determination. Engaging in sports helps develop compliance and adherence skills, i.e., the degree to which a child commits to and achieves the goals they have set.

Skills that will have a positive impact on the child’s future. Carlos has been competing in swimming since he was 10 years old. To improve his skills, he must follow a rigorous training plan, adhere to schedules, and meet established goals. Through swimming, Carlos learns the importance of discipline and dedication to achieve his objectives, skills that will be beneficial in his academic and professional life.

Channeling energy. This activity allows children to let off steam, thus curbing impulsive behaviors in other contexts and reducing anxiety.

Ana is 7 years old and is very energetic. Her parents enroll her in karate classes, where she learns to channel her energy in a positive way. Through regular practice of karate, Ana learns to control her impulses and manage her energy productively, reducing her anxiety and improving her behavior in other contexts.

Increased learning capacity. Studies have shown that exercise increases the brain’s neurogenesis, leading to improved decision-making, thinking, and learning.

Mateo has been practicing athletics since he was 9 years old. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as running, increases neurogenesis in the brain, meaning that new neurons and connections between them are generated. As a result, Mateo experiences an improvement in his learning ability, decision-making, and critical thinking.

Improvement in academic performance. Physical activity has a direct influence on concentration and, therefore, on improving children’s academic performance.

Sofía has been attending yoga classes since she was 7 years old. Regular yoga practice improves her physical condition and her ability to concentrate. As a result, Sofía experiences an enhancement in her academic performance, as she can focus better in class and retain information more easily.

For sports to be beneficial…

The choice of sport should be a decision made by the child rather than imposed by parents. Allowing children to choose the sport they want to practice gives them autonomy and empowerment over their own lives, motivating them and engaging them more with physical activity.

Each child has unique interests and passions. By allowing them to choose their sport, they are given the opportunity to explore and develop these areas of interest. For example, a child who loves water may opt for swimming, while another who enjoys running may choose athletics. By following their passions, children are more inclined to commit to and enjoy physical activity.

The choice of sport also contributes to the development of the child’s identity. It helps them discover their strengths, interests, and unique abilities, thus fostering greater self-confidence and self-esteem.

When children choose their own sport, they are more committed to continuing to practice it in the long term. This is because they are intrinsically motivated, doing something for the sheer pleasure of doing it, rather than doing it due to external pressure from parents.

Allowing children to choose the sport they want to practice gives them the opportunity to fully enjoy the activity and commit to it in the long term. This allows them to experience the physical, social, and mental benefits more fully and positively, ensuring a more rewarding and enriching sports experience.