“As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?” -
As a mommy of 4 children, 3 of which are old enough to be in summer sports programs, sometimes I find it rough to encourage my kids to be involved, because it means me being a moms taxi and taking them all around. BUT, I still encourage them to try some sports. There is a really great program at our YMCA that is a sports mixer. Where every week during the summer they get a sampling of a new sport. I always find this to be fun for them so they are bored with one. Also it gives them a “feel” for what they like to play the most. And this is a very positive program, where they aren’t as competitive as a normal sporting team.
Also the programs at the YMCA cost less, and having 4 kids this is a huge plus for me.
I encourage my kids to be active and go outside during the summer months as much as possible. I buy them lots of outside toys to keep them busy. They love to jump rope and hula hoop. Also there is a small park right up the street from me and they can go there and shoot some hoops.
I always tell my kids when they are competing against others that sports are to be fun. So even if they don’t win as long as they have fun, it is worth it and the purpose behind them being in the sport. I never put pressure on them to win.
I like my children being involved in sports, and having fun. I believe it makes them better well rounded as a person. Being part of a team, and learning the aspects/rules of the games is great for them for their futures.
Plus as an extra bonus it helps them socially to become friends of other children with similar interests, and keeps them in a routine even when they are out of school.
About the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports Program:
Created by Liberty Mutual in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, US Youth Soccer, USA Hockey and the Amateur Softball Association, the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program provides resources for parents and coaches at www.responsiblesports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport. The online community incorporates blogs, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice. Parents and coaches also can complete coursework on positive sports mentoring that offers best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.
The Plus Size Mommy
I really like your new site. It is so attractive and not as busy as the other,therefore making it easier to read. I also enjoyed babys 1st birthday,she is so sweet—specialy with all of that icing!
Hey girl! Loving the plus size birthday for your little one!!!
.-= Alaina Frederick´s last blog ..Exercise On The Go =-.
Hey! Anytime girl! I can’t wait till my kids are old enough to play sports. That was so much fun!
Sports are fun for anyone. I’d rTHER PLAY THAN WATCH AS LONG AS ITS NOT TOo competitive.my teenage granddaughter needed to loose a few pounds and joined a soccer team.She has already lost some and has toned up some, too.
Awesome Site! This is a really cool and informative site. I’ll definitely be checking this site often to help me with ideas on doing different stuff. I like how nicely it is organized. The navigation is so intuitive so I can quickly find whatever I’m looking for.
We are members of our local YMCA too. It is a lifesaver and so much fun. All the classes we do are so much more affordable and it is so convenient to our home too. (Gymnastics, gym tots, tumble bears, swimming, pee wee sports and more!) Cool post.
.-= ClassyMommy´s last blog ..$50 Photofiddle Gift Card Giveaway =-.
It is definitely important to keep kids active! Your site looks great!:o)
.-= Lorraine´s last blog ..More Halloween… =-.
When I was a kid I got so excited about the plastic trophy we got at the end of each season. I can’t believe my kids are almost old enough for organized sports!
Maybe we should get on the ball (ba-dum-bum!)
I love being outdoors with my daughter in the summer! I’m in the process of teaching her how to peddle her tricycle (she’s 2), we even bought a cute little scooter for her. Can’t wait until next year so she can really get out there and interact even more with all the kids on the block =)
I think the sports and activities are soooo important for our kids. It is easy for them to want to stay in where it may be cool and veg in front of the tv or video games or computers. They are used to me saying….”No, the tv is staying off today.” (which includes video and computers)
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..School Papers – Simple Steps to Decrease the Paper Clutter =-.
Wow! I don’t know how you find the time to take care of 4 kids and keep up with this great site! You go girl! It looks great!
Sports are OK, I prefer music, art.
.-= Tina B. Tessina, PhD, “Dr. Romance”´s last blog ..Voyage on the Amazon to Brazil, Pt. VI: Devil’s Island =-.
lovely website beth! i havent gone thru the entire site yet,but will do so and will check back often,sounds like you got it going on!!!! way to go!!!
Hey Beth – Just dropping by to tell you that I love getting your blog by e-mail because it is always full of positive thoughts. I also love how much you share of your thoughts on different topics
My four kids all started with the YMCA when they were little. As teens, they all play soccer and have advanced to club teams which has allowed one of them to travel as far away from us as Washington, D.C. for college showcase tournaments and play in an Olympic Development league, 2 have played Varsity H.S. soccer starting their Freshman years, and one will go on to play college soccer. Sports has played a huge roll in the character development of my kids – they are all high achievers and have learned the importance of ‘team’. I can’t express enough the important roll that sports-involvement has played in my kids’ lives!
Hey Beth,
You are a true inspitation to me… You are just so involved with your kids…and you still have time to do “your own fun stuff”! You make me smile when I hear from you on your social websites!!! Happy summer & have fun!!!!
From your fiend Vicki
What a great post, thanks for sharing!
.-= Get Plus Size Love =-.
I love your website! I have to check it out everyday!! Great job, and I still dont know how you do it with 4 kids, you are amazing!
I agree about children taking part in non-competitive sports. I’m hoping that soon my daughter will be confident enough to take part in them soon, but as for now, she enjoys the fun of being active.
.-= Get Plus Size Love =-.
Now that video games are becoming more and more popular and P.E. is
now an elective course instead of a requirement in school, outdoor activities
are a must!!!! What happened to the Presidential Physical Fitness Exam??
During fall break (in Oct. public schools are given a week off here in Tennessee) Moms and kids form a team and play kickball. The kids get a kick out of this. Sooooo much fun!!!!!!! We are now part of a allstar baseball team and loving it!!
Go Killer Bees!!!!!!
This is a great idea!