At What Age Should My Child Participate in Which Sport?
Exercise and sports contribute significantly to a child's physical, mental, and social development. Physically, a child who plays sports will develop their lungs and heart, and the risk of experiencing heart and vascular diseases in the future will be minimized.
Organized games contribute positively to a child's mental development. When a child plays sports, they will bond with their friends or teacher, and their social aspect will develop.
Physical activity is necessary for children of all ages. For some children, sports they can do in an organized manner can be a good choice, for example; football, basketball, gymnastics.
However, for a child to be able to do these sports, they must first acquire basic skills. If you know your child's age group well, choosing a sport will be easy for you.
Sports to be Played According to Age Groups:
Early Childhood 3-5 Years Old:
The child's basic skills in this period are movements like rolling and jumping. Activities such as playing with water, jumping, rolling, and riding a 3-wheeled bicycle are recommended during this period.
Middle Childhood 6-9 Years Old:
The child can perform basic movements like running and jumping in this period. This stage is the introductory phase for challenging sports. Recommended activities in this period are introductory-level practices of sports such as riding a 2-wheeled bicycle, football, basketball, and gymnastics. Additionally, children can start non-contact martial arts during this period.
Late Childhood 10-12 Years Old:
This is the period when the child begins to learn difficult basic skills. Sports and activities recommended for the child in this period are all kinds of organized sports activities that can also strengthen their practical skills.
To help your child channel their existing energy in the right direction, guide them towards a physical activity suitable for their age and intelligence.