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Should Your Preschooler Play Sports?

There's nothing cuter than a bunch of preschoolers playing T-ball or soccer, but is it the best way for them to be active? Probably not. Team sports offer a chance for preschoolers to meet each other and get some exercise, but can be too complicated for the average preschooler. Even simple rules may be hard for a 4- or 5-year-old to understand. If you've ever watched your child run the wrong way during a game, you already know this.

The average preschooler has not mastered sports basics such as throwing, catching, and taking turns. This can be frustrating and may discourage future participation in sports. If you do decide to sign your child up for soccer or another team sport, be sure to choose a peewee league that emphasizes the fundamentals.

The coach's attitude and the way other parents approach the game are also important. Above all, a team activity should be fun, not upsetting, for your child. If your child isn't having fun, ask why and try to address the issue or find another activity for your child.

If you haven't signed your child up for a team sport yet, don't worry. There are myths galore about how kids need a "head start" if they want to be competitive when they're older. But kids who learn the fundamentals, and learn to love activity, can readily catch on to more complicated sports when they're a little older.

Keeping Preschoolers Active

If sports aren't a must, what should be on a preschooler's activity schedule? Engage your child in activities that are fun and challenging, but not beyond his or her abilities. Preschool children are learning to hop, skip, and jump forward. They are eager to show off how they can balance on one foot for a few seconds, catch a ball, or do a somersault.

Your child may also enjoy swimming, hiking, dancing, and riding a tricycle or bicycle with training wheels. All of these activities help develop skills and coordination. It is important that your child engage in a variety of activities to encourage a wide range of movement and skills.

The National Association of Sports and Physical Education recommends that every day preschoolers should:

• get at least 60 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led activity)
• get at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity (free play)
• not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time (unless sleeping)

Adult-led activity means that you can get involved. Kids love seeing their parents play. Doing so also shows that being active is part of the normal routine for your family. Walking, playing, and running in the backyard or using playground equipment at a local park can be fun for the entire family.

Other activities to try with your preschooler (or for preschoolers to do together):

• Play games such as duck, duck, goose or follow the leader. Mix it up with jumping, hopping, and walking backward.
• Kick a ball back and forth or set up a goal for your child.
• Practice hitting a ball off a T-ball stand.
• Play freeze dance or freeze tag.
• Practice balancing by pretending to be statues.

Kids who enjoy physical activity tend to stay active throughout their lives. And staying fit can improve self-esteem, help maintain a healthy weight, and decrease the risk of serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

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