Playing a sport can boost kids’ self-esteem, social skills, and physical fitness. Choosing the right sport for your child requires a balance between finding one that interests them and offers lifelong benefits. The child development experts at Missouri’s Great Beginnings are here to help. According to the team at this licensed child care and learning center, finding the perfect activity takes a bit of research, patience, and conversation!

3 Tips for Enrolling Young Kids in Sports

1. Research What’s Available for Their Age Group

Kids can start playing sports by the time they’re 2 years old, but the activity depends on their age range and stage of child development. Certain sports require coordination, visual acuity, reasoning skills, and physical strength. Between the ages of 2 and 5, kids benefit most from activities that introduce basic skills like running, swimming, and tumbling. As they get older, they better equipped for sports that need more coordination, such as soccer, baseball, and martial arts.

2. Introduce a Variety of Options

After researching what’s available for your child’s age range, discuss their options. Don’t rush into signing up for a class or league—start the conversation by watching sports on TV or attending games in person. This helps kids get a sense of how the game is played and can help them decide whether they’re more interested in a team sport or individual event.

3. Note Their Interest Level

After watching a game, talk to your child. Pay attention to what sparks their enthusiasm. Some kids love competition in all forms and could thrive on any team. If they seem disinterested in a particular sport, but like the idea of running and playing a game, they might simply prefer one activity over another. Review the list you created earlier to see if they like any of the other options.

Whether you’re in St. Charles or the Cottleville area, the team at Great Beginnings will use their child development expertise to help you find the right activities for your child. They’re passionate about providing learning opportunities for kids, so they succeed on the field and in the classroom. For information about their early childhood education programs, visit their website or call (636) 724-5048 for their Saint Charles location or (636) 447-4212 for their Cottleville location.