| Many teenagers in high school today try out for sports | | | | for their development. This too is provided not only |
| because they think that it will make them popular with | | | | through sport itself, but because many of their fellow |
| their friends and also provide a good vehicle for getting | | | | sportsmen and sportswomen will also become friends |
| them dates. But there are of course many other | | | | with whom they will socialize off the sports field. |
| benefits to be gained from sports in school and here | | | | Sports also provides parents with a great way to |
| are just a few to show why sport is such a great | | | | bond with their children by showing up to support them |
| outlet for teenagers. | | | | at games, helping them with their practices and also |
| We live at a time when all of us are taking less and | | | | joining in with fundraisers. Through sports you can not |
| less exercise and for many kids this is largely because | | | | only get to spend time with your kids and talk to them, |
| they have home computers, video games and TVs in | | | | but you can also get to spend time with their friends |
| their rooms and are happy to spend time sitting at | | | | and learn a little bit about who they are hanging out |
| these rather than going out in the fresh air and getting | | | | with as well. |
| some exercise. It is this of course which also forms | | | | Now at this stage you may be thinking that this is all |
| one half of the equation today which is resulting in | | | | well and good but my kid is not particularly good at |
| childhood obesity sweeping across the United States. | | | | sports and is never going to make it into a team. Well, |
| For many years now obesity has been a problem | | | | fortunately, there are a lot of kids in the same boat |
| amongst adults but it is now being seen in children at | | | | and so if this is the case then you can always look |
| younger and younger ages and there is no question | | | | outside the school where you will find plenty of places |
| that a combination of poor eating habits and a lack of | | | | where sport is perhaps less demanding and a little |
| sufficient exercise are fueling this epidemic. Sport at | | | | more fun than sport. |
| school therefore provides an excellent vehicle for | | | | Also do not be too rigid in your definition of sports and |
| getting our kids the exercise they need and also | | | | remember that what you are really looking for is |
| provides the motivation to keep them in shape, which | | | | something that is going to give your kids a reasonable |
| is something that is simply lacking when adults try to | | | | amount of exercise but also get them out so that they |
| follow an exercise program by joining a local gym. | | | | can meet other kids and develop their social skills. Just |
| Another very real problem with kids spending time at | | | | take a look around your area and you will almost |
| home on their computers or playing video games is | | | | certainly find many sporting activities which your kids |
| that this is largely a solitary activity and they are | | | | would be happy to try if you just point them in the right |
| missing out on the socialization which is so necessary | | | | direction. |