We want our kids to have it all – an amazing education, a healthy diet, great fitness, a happy social life, the best opportunities, and so on. However, sometimes, it can be difficult to juggle everything, particularly when your kids don’t want to comply. You don’t ever want to force them into anything but a little gentle encouragement can go a long way. So, if your children don’t seem to be particularly interested in sports, maybe they’ve just not found the right one for them. 

Getting them involved with a sport they love from an early age can create a lifelong hobby, or in some cases, even a career. So be patient with them, and see if any of the following ideas help to encourage them to get into sports.

Treat them to equipment

With the right equipment, you can make them feel unstoppable. This could be the best indoor volleyballs, the newest soccer shoes, or their own personal tennis racket. Getting them a gift related to sports is something that can get them more excited about the game, and they’ll want to try their new gift out as soon as possible.

Sign them up for classes

Find out what sports they’re intrigued by or would be interested to try and sign them up for a few classes to see how they like it. If your child has taken an immediate liking to chess, you can sign him up for classes on chess openings for kids or beginners. If they do this weekly, they’ll progress gradually and it’ll come naturally to them, as they’ll know that Wednesday evening means badminton training – it won’t be a chore. This is also a fantastic opportunity for them to make friends through sport, which is something that will make it a lot more enjoyable for them.

Or, you could even talk to other parents (whose children are friends with your own kids, as well as a similar age range) and see if they want to go to the lessons with them. This will alleviate any nervousness your child might have, as they’ll have their friend right by their side to play with.

Take them to a sports game

The atmosphere, the anticipation, the merchandise (foam fingers anyone?), the snacks – you can’t beat a sports stadium! Whatever you go to see, your kids will get a sense of inspiration from watching their favorite players in front of them. Fingers crossed your team wins!

Play with them

In many ways, your kids look up to you, and this includes when it comes to sports and lifestyle. If they see you playing, then they are more likely to follow suit. If you play energetic games with them, being active will come much more naturally to them. So, even if it’s just throwing or kicking a ball about in the back garden, it’s still encouraging fun and healthy practices whilst getting you both outdoors together. It’s a great, simple way to bond.

Support them every step of the way

Ensure that you’re always there for them, go to watch them whenever they play, and you don’t push them into anything they don’t want to do. Care and support are vital, especially if they’re not the most confident. Just let them know that as long as they try their best, that’s all that matters.

Encouragement can go a long way when it comes to your kids playing sports. They need to know that you’re there for them and that they don’t feel like they haven’t got a choice in the matter, otherwise they will feel resentful. Allow them to find their stride in a sport that they love.