I always thought my kids would be like me: quiet, bookish, and massively uncoordinated. But nope, at least one of them has some athletic ability. My son has been using that ability to play flag football. (I should have known that sippy cup being winged from the back seat by his toddler hands was a sign of things to come.) His time on the football field has been a learning experience, for both of us. He’s learned determination and teamwork, and I’ve learned that the trick play is actually called a “reverse.” Here are 4 more lessons I’ve learned from the football field:
\n
Youth sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping kids stay active to building self-esteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport is best for your child often depends on your youngster’s personality, as well as the time and money you’re willing to invest in a particular activity.
\n
We all want our kids to be healthy. And part of staying fit is staying active. Sports are a great way to keep kids moving while building their social bonds and building their self-confidence. As a child, if you were outgoing and loved soccer, that may now be your go-to choice for your child, but maybe they are more interested in swimming or tennis. So which sport do you choose for them?
\n
As summer approaches, tweens and teens with growing independence tend to spend more time on the field or in the pool being active in sports. Participating in team sports is an excellent way for youth to develop new skills, become good team players, and build new relationships with others. Youth have a strong and normal need to experience a sense of belonging with their peers, and team sports provides this kind of experience.
\nPage 9 of 12
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2025 Calgary’s Child
