It’s estimated that at least 50% of kids participate in at least one organized sports activity each year, and for many kids, it’s not just one sport they’re in, but the one sport they’re not. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, engaging in organized sports can contribute to the growth of physical abilities like hand-eye coordination; functional movement skills; strength; and academic, self-regulatory, and overall life skills. Additionally, it can foster positive social outcomes, resulting in enhanced social identity and adjustment. But if you’re the parent of a child on or off the field, you’re probably asking yourself, How can I help my child enjoy sports, and how can I help them do it safely?

How can I help my child enjoy sports?

Participating in organized sports provides a myriad of benefits for kids. But those very same activities can be tricky, too. Playing sports can present challenges for both mental and physical well-being. According to an article on WebMD, while sports offer various benefits for children’s mental health, such as stress reduction and improved mood, it is important to recognize the potential difficulties that can arise and address them accordingly.

Encourage and provide adequate nutrition and hydration.

Promote and provide children with sufficient sports nutrition and hydration, especially during vigorous exercise or when sweating excessively. Children aged nine to 12 typically require approximately 3 to 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes to maintain proper hydration, while teenagers may need around 34 to 50 ounces per hour to meet their hydration needs.

Be mindful of your own language around body image.

Parents should know that poor or negative body image can significantly impact a person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. This can manifest in various ways, such as disordered eating patterns, compulsive or excessive exercise, feelings of depression and anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-esteem. Being mindful of the language you use around body image and physical abilities can help foster a healthier relationship with oneself and promote overall well-being.

Lift things from your child’s schedule if they are stressed or don’t want to participate in a sport.

It is important for parents to recognize signs of stress or disinterest in a sport and be willing to remove certain activities from their child’s schedule. Overscheduling children can negatively affect their well-being, including increased stress levels, decreased quality of sleep, limited time for unstructured play, and reduced opportunity for relaxation and downtime. As highlighted in an article from the Cleveland Clinic, allowing children to have sufficient downtime is crucial for their overall development, creativity, and mental well-being.

Have them rest and recover if they get injured (even for minor injuries).

Both cognitive and physical rest play vital roles in the recovery process. Cognitive rest allows the brain to heal, while physical rest is crucial for the body’s recovery. It ensures that your child refrains from engaging in sports and other more aggressive physical activities until their reflexes, coordination, and other mental processes have returned to normal. You can support your child’s overall healing and prevent further complications or re-injury by allowing adequate rest and recovery.

Be sure to have your child fitted for a custom-made sports mouthguard to prevent dental injuries.

According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, dental injuries are the most prevalent type of orofacial injury in sports. They emphasize that athletes who do not wear protective mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience tooth damage. To safeguard your child, consider obtaining a custom-made sports mouthguard crafted by the expert team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Omaha. Our specialized mouthguards and approach to preventive dentistry provide optimal fit and protection, reducing the risk of dental injuries during sports participation.

Consider switching sports if your child is impacted negatively by the group atmosphere, negative peer pressure, or coach.

If your child has been dedicated to a particular sport for a significant portion of their life and it no longer brings them joy, or if they are dealing with hostile teammates or an unsupportive coach, it might be worth re-evaluating how important it is to keep persisting with the sport. Sports are meant to be enjoyable games, and if their current sport is causing stress and a sense of dread, it could be a sign it’s time for them to take a step back. Remember that finding fulfillment and enjoyment should be central to your child’s sporting experience, and exploring different activities can help reignite their passion and enthusiasm.

Listen to your child’s concerns and keep an open mind.

Parents should actively listen and validate their child’s feelings when they express their concerns about their skills or abilities in a particular sport. Rather than dismissing their concerns, parents can show support by asking open-ended questions and engaging in constructive conversations. Parents must be open-minded and supportive if their child takes a break from sports or explores other physical activities. Allowing children to switch things up and find activities they enjoy promotes a well-rounded approach to physical fitness and encourages their overall engagement and well-being.

Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha is your partner in protecting your child’s teeth on the field and off.

Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha is your trusted partner in safeguarding your child’s teeth both on and off the field. We know how important it is to protect young athletes from sports injuries, particularly those affecting the teeth. 
By providing custom-fitted sports mouthguards, we ensure your child can participate in sports confidently and reduce the risk of dental injuries. Don’t compromise your child’s dental health during sports activities—request an appointment with Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha today to learn more about our specialized sports mouthguards. Protect your child’s winning smile and enjoy peace of mind knowing they have the necessary dental protection while they excel in their favorite sports.