Children need to be physically active, but what if they simply don’t want to? Many children are little balls of energy but there are some who would rather play computer games or read a book instead of running around. There are also kids who become fed up with the sport they’re playing and want to give it up.

Whether your child has never been into sports or has been playing for a while and now wishes to quit, you may be wondering how to approach this topic. This is a sensitive issue since you don’t want to push the child and drive them further away from physical activity. On the other hand, you can’t let them lead a sedentary lifestyle either. Read on to find out what to do.

What makes children want to quit sports?

Many children are very eager about their sport when they first start but after a while, they may grow bored or disappointed with it. If you’re concerned because your little one is saying they want to quit after every practice, the first step is to understand why they may be feeling this way. Generally, there are several reasons why it could happen:

  • They feel they can’t live up to their parents’ or coaches’ expectations
  • They find it too physically or emotionally demanding
  • They believe that they aren’t as good as their teammates
  • They have grown bored of it and want to focus on another interest
  • They have too little time for school, homework, and leisure activities

All of your child’s concerns are valid and should be carefully considered. Talk to them about these matters in a calm and approachable manner. Be ready to hear them out and gain an in-depth understanding of what prompted them to feel this way. Then you’ll have the best chances of helping them either rediscover the love for the sport or find another way to spend their time productively.

How to motivate your child to play sports?

There are several things you can do to keep your child happy and active. Here’s what to do.

  • Talk to them before they start. Prepare them for what this experience will be like. Patiently explain what they’ll be expected to do (for example, follow the rules, listen to the coach, stick with it for a while, etc). Present it in a positive light and encourage them to give it a shot because it’s fun and will give them desirable benefits (such as strong muscles and the ability to play like their favorite sportsperson one day). 
  • Check why they want to quit: If they’ve been playing for some time and now want to stop, you’ll first need to see where this is coming from. Don’t brush off their concerns as insignificant, no matter how trivial they may seem at first glance. The issue may be relatively simple to solve, such as their practice schedule, or it can be very serious, like abusive behavior from their teammates or coach. It’s also a good idea to have a conversation with their coach to get a better idea of their performance and attitude. 
  • Think of the solution to address the problem: Depending on the problem, you’ll determine whether quitting is truly the best option or if it’s possible to solve. Remember that playing organized sports isn’t a must. According to the experts at Uptown Jungle  fun park in North Las Vegas, recreational trampolining can be just as beneficial for your child’s health. It also doesn’t mean that your child will grow up to be a quitter. They may have simply figured out that another hobby appeals to them more, which can happen as children grow into their character