| We know that exercise is important for teenagers | | | | 'pushy' and intrusive - they'll appreciate your interest. |
| and sport is an ideal outlet for all that energy. It | | | | They will know you love them and want to help. |
| doesn't matter why teenagers are attracted to | | | | How else can parents get involved with their |
| sport. In fact, for many of them it is seen as an | | | | teenagers and sport? There are many ways, such as: |
| opportunity to become popular and more attractive. | | | | - providing the right kit and equipment |
| As parents we shouldn't knock that reason! | | | | - helping with travel arrangements |
| Regardless of why they decide to participate, there | | | | - cheering from the sidelines |
| is a range of benefits for them. | | | | - fundraising, and more |
| Social benefits for teenagers and sport | | | | And you'll find that after a game or session - when |
| First of all, consider the social benefits for teenagers | | | | kids are on a natural 'high' - they are much more |
| and sport. So much of the average teenager's time is | | | | communicative. This is ideal time for chatting and |
| spent alone, whether it's in front of a TV screen, or | | | | building that relationship. |
| playing computer games or surfing the net. Although | | | | You or your kids may have doubts about their ability |
| this may bring them into 'virtual' contact with others, | | | | to join a team. If your teenagers are not the |
| it's not as beneficial as face-to-face, social interaction. | | | | competitive types, why not consider other activities |
| Once they get into a sport, they'll have lots of | | | | that can be enjoyed just for the sake of it? |
| opportunities to meet others and develop their social | | | | Examples are archery, swimming, water sports, and |
| and interpersonal skills. | | | | hill walking and climbing. |
| Health benefits for teenagers and sport. | | | | Behavior benefits for teenagers and sport |
| These days we are all much more sedentary: we sit | | | | There are other good reasons why teenagers and |
| around much more than we used to, at the expense | | | | sport should be encouraged. Studies both in America |
| of physical movement. Health specialists are | | | | and Europe show that teens who take part in sport |
| concerned about the rising problem of obesity, and | | | | are much less likely to be involved in undesirable |
| this affects our teenagers and younger children too. | | | | behaviors such as: |
| Movement is good for our teenagers, and sport is | | | | - smoking |
| ideal for those who balk at the thought of 'working | | | | - taking drugs |
| out'. Taking part in a sport can have a great pay-off | | | | - promiscuity |
| in terms of health. | | | | - alcohol abuse |
| Family benefits for teenagers and sport | | | | - and dropping out of school or college. |
| Many parents today find it difficult to communicate | | | | Involvement in sport really does get your teenagers |
| with their teenagers, and sport is ideal for bringing | | | | away from the couch and TV screen and into |
| the two together. I've spent years driving my | | | | something that is both healthy and sociable. Why not |
| teenagers to their different sports and watching | | | | take action today to help bring your teenagers and |
| them perform. Believe me - so long as you're not | | | | sport together? |