Actionable Tips & Guides
Encourage Variety
Expose kids to a variety of sports & encourage sports sampling: Encourage multi-sport participation over early specialization
Prioritize physical literacy and development of basic movement skills through varied activities: (running, throwing, catching). Building confidence and competence
Look for multi-sport programs: Avoid single sport pressure; ask if programs support variety
Encourage unstructured play: Provide equipment at home (balls etc.), allow kids to play freely and build a love for movement
Focus on fun
Make fun a priority: Choose programs that emphasize enjoyment, teamwork, friendship and positive culture over winning. Kids who enjoy sports stay engaged for longer!
Ask what kids want: Understand your child’s motivation to play, and choose programs accordingly.
Limit Screen time: Replace excess screen time with outdoor play; remove TV’s from bedrooms
Age Appropriate Goals
Effort over outcome: Praise hard work, learning and improvement over winning
Positive Support: Model sportsmanship and respect for coaches. Provide simple and encouraging feedback
Balance and rest: Promote healthy habits (sleep, nutrition, recovery) alongside spots
Check for age-appropriate play: Ensure programs use modified equipment and small-sided programs for younger kids
Trust Developmental Stages [See ADM Developmental Stages below]: Don’t rush progression for short term results.
ASPEN Institutes Parent Checklists
The ASPEN Institute has created age based parent checklists as a part of their Project PLAY initiative to create healthy, long term sports participation for youth athletes. Parents of young athletes should aim to follow these checklists, for the best sports experience for their child.
ASPEN Institutes Healthy Sports Index
The ASPEN Institute, through the healthy sports index initiative aiming to promote sports sampling in youth athletes, has curated a list of complementary sports that develop similar motor skills in children. Parents can use this to curate sports variety.
The ASPEN Institutes Children Bill of Rights in Sports
Are you interested in enhancing the availability and quality of youth sports programs? Learn more here!
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