These days, many children like to spend time playing with their gadgets. You see their eyes glued to their smartphones, tablets, or the latest video game. These are fine items to pass time with, but you need to limit their usage, so they do not grow up being used to having a sedentary lifestyle. It is a matter of taking care of their health, which is why you also need them to get some exposure to team sports. If you see them glancing at a rugby magazine, that would be a good sign that they will have a great interest in being sporty and active.
There is more to team sports than just being fit, strong, and competing with the best. Here are the values that your kids can learn by participating in them.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Winning is a great feeling. Being on top of the world means that you will receive the adulation of the crowd, and many will recognize you for your achievements. But since sports is a competitive activity, know that there is another team that also works hard to get to the top. Eventually, you will experience a loss. At first, you will be frustrated and start blaming all sorts of things. But later on, you will realize that it is a competition and the other team just played better. You will then vow to work harder so you can become a better team in your next outing.
Helping Each Other Out
You always hear coaches saying that there is no “I” in the word “team”. Individual numbers do not matter if your group is not winning. This is why you need to strategize and help each other out to get to that stage. You need to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. You have to bring out the best in you. When you see a teammate struggling, help them get out of that negative groove
Respecting Your Mentor
The fact that you are playing in a team means that you have talent. But that could only take you so far. You need to have someone who can share with you the wisdom they have amassed from years of competition. Coaches and older players are there to share their knowledge and experience. They have long been there before you, so you better show them the respect they deserve.
The Value of Contribution
Playing sports is about getting better numbers than your opponent. As such, the final score is what matters. But do not discount the contributions of every teammate. In a basketball game, you may have a player score the most points. You also need to recognize those who contributed with a number of assists, rebounds, steals, or blocks. These are the little details that led to the team winning the game, and it should not be ignored.
These are lessons that kids can apply later in life. Losing teaches them how to move on and be better. There are people out there who do not have much and need help or some kind of assistance. They will encounter those who can teach them valuable lessons to help move them forward in life. They will also be appreciative of people’s contributions without quantifying them. Playing team sports does not just keep your body healthy, but your mind and soul as well.