Physical Benefits
Decreased risk of obesity Regular exercise helps children maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk of obesity[1][5].
Improved cardiovascular fitness Sports enhance cardiovascular health, which is crucial for overall well-being[5][8].
Stronger bones and muscles Physical activity strengthens the musculoskeletal system[1].
Development of motor skills and coordination Sports improve motor skills and coordination, essential for physical competence[1].
Better sleep Regular physical activity can lead to improved sleep patterns[1][5].
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Improved self-esteem and self-confidence Children who participate in sports often experience higher self-esteem and confidence[1][3].
Reduced stress and anxiety Physical activity helps in managing stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being[1].
Development of problem-solving skills Sports require strategic thinking and problem-solving, enhancing cognitive abilities[1].
Improved concentration Regular exercise has been shown to improve concentration levels in children[1].
Emotional Regulation Sports can teach children to manage their emotions, develop patience, and understand the importance of practice in skill improvement[3].
Social Benefits
Teamwork and cooperation Team sports teach children how to work together, cooperate, and be considerate of others[3][7].
New friendships Sports provide opportunities for children to make new friends and expand their social circle[3][7].
Sense of belonging Being part of a team gives children a sense of belonging and camaraderie[3].
Respect for rules and authority Sports help children learn to follow rules, understand the importance of rules, and respect authority figures like coaches and referees[3].
Accepting Defeat Sports enable children to learn sportsmanship and accept defeat, understanding that losing is a part of life and promotes resilience[7].
Academic Benefits
Enhanced learning and cognitive abilities Participation in sports positively affects children’s overall learning and cognitive abilities[1].
Improved information processing and memory Sports enhance information processing, memory, and concentration[1].
Better academic performance Children who play sports often perform better academically[1].
Parenting Tips for Incorporating Sports into Children’s Activities
Lead by example Parents should be physically active themselves to inspire their children[5].
Family outings with physical activity Plan family outings that offer opportunities for physical activity, such as playing sports together[5].
Encourage active transportation Encourage children to walk or ride their bicycles for short trips instead of relying on car rides[5].
Support their efforts Attend matches and cheer them on[5].
Limit sedentary activities Set time limits on activities like playing computer games and watching television[5].
Consult with schools Work with the child’s school to encourage greater participation in sports and physical activity[5].
Positive Reinforcement Positive parental involvement, including support and praise, can promote positive motivational outcomes. Conversely, negative involvement, such as pressure and high expectations, can lead to adverse outcomes[4].
Accessible and Affordable Sports in the Philippines
Identifying the specific accessible and affordable sports in the Philippines requires specific knowledge about local conditions and resources. However, based on general knowledge and common sports, here are some options:
Basketball: Basketball is extremely popular in the Philippines, with accessible public courts and leagues in many communities.
Volleyball: Volleyball is another popular and relatively inexpensive sport, often played in schools and local communities.
Badminton: Badminton requires minimal equipment and can be played inexpensively in various indoor and outdoor spaces.
Running/Athletics: Running and other athletic activities require little to no equipment and can be done in many locations.
Arnis/Martial Arts: Traditional Filipino martial arts like Arnis can be affordable and accessible through community-based training.
Citations:
[1] https://www.physioinq.com.au/blog/sports-important-childrens-development
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6933572/
[3] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/developing-life-skills-through-sports
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1291711/full
[5] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sport-and-children
[6] https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/communicating-relationships/family-relationships/relationships-with-parents-teens
[7] https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/5-benefits-sports-kids/
[8] https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7580-what-are-the-surprising-benefits-of-youth-sports-programs
[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3871410/
