Problems such as obesity, bad behaviour, low self esteem and drugs.

Children are less motivated and spend a great deal of time in sedentary activities such as computer games and the internet. Many youngsters slip into bad behaviour through their low self esteem or do not achieve highly.

The threat of being drawn into drugs is ever present. Drugs are often introduced into a kid’s environment as an exciting thing to do and if the child has low self esteem they may be easily swayed by peers.

Junk foods combined with too little or no exercise, does not build strong young bodies. In fact clear evidence from health authorities suggests exactly the opposite.

Effects on Health

Some children’s poor eating habits, lack of exercise and behavioural problems can worry parents and at times can lower the self esteem of children and parents alike. Often obesity sets in, increasing the spiral into non-participation and a tendency to become involved with under achieving kids and consequent gravitation into anti-social activities such as vandalism and petty crime.

Of course one cannot underestimate the effects on the health and well being of the individual and society in general. The media is reporting this matter quite aggressively at the moment, so much so that Government is now paying attention and supporting initiatives to combat the syndrome.

The Benefits of Sport

Involving kids in sport can introduce an activity that parents, kids and siblings can all be involved in. For some it can become an extended family of people with common interests. Sport can provide a positive pursuit that offers many benefits such as : -

• Sport can encourage kids to adapt their behaviour in a social environment, by learning rules of conduct.
• Working in team sports in particular, children learn teamwork, sporting attitudes, a range of skills, along with balance and coordination.
• Self esteem grows as kids master skills.
• Generally an awareness of fitness can assist in developing healthier eating habits.
• Growing bodies become better conditioned and a boost to metabolism occurs.

Participation in a well conducted sport they enjoy and one that suits them, often brings some excitement and direction into young lives to counter the inevitable boredom young people often complain of. By learning to participate in a group and follow rules, young people absorb essential life skills that tend to eliminate anti-social behaviour.

With their own growing self esteem children reap rewards from following rules and many a life long friendship has begun on the playing fields. Common interests shared and a productive focus can give kids some meaning and order to their lives that by and large counter negative and destructive behaviours that can come about by being too idle, too often.

Enjoying sport with family and friends can bring about positive assimilation into groups and basic life skills such as verbal communication, better manners and mutual respect develop.

Conclusion

Whilst not being offered as a panacea to today’s ills, there is sufficient documentation to suggest that involving children in sport and encouraging them by sharing with them the excitement and congratulating them on their new found skills can help raise their self esteem. Better health and behaviour outcomes can be a side benefit that will assist parents in the positive upbringing of their children and thus contributing to the betterment of society overall.