It’s summer, Mommy! We all know what that means for children: staying up late, waking up late, munching on something every so often, and basically doing nothing but watch TV or play computer games all day. Unfortunately, this kind of routine won’t help boost your child’s immunity foundation.

Here’s a suggestion: involve your child in a sport this summer. This will keep his body and mind strong. He’ll also meet new friends, pick up new skills, and develop values that he will need later in life. Plus, he’ll have plenty of stories to share with his friends when classes resume.

But before you sign him up for a sport, ask yourself a few questions: Is he the type who enjoys physical contact with other friends? Does he prefer to play alone? Is he aggressive or meek? Is he too young for sports? Remember that children younger than 5 years have yet to develop coordination and focus for most sports, so other fun physical activities like jogging and running or dancing might be more suitable for them.

Individual sports
If you find that your child prefers to play alone, it may be wise to introduce him to individual sports first.

• Swimming is a great sport that works out both the lower and upper body. It’s also great for the heart. Not to mention that it’s a survival skill that everyone should learn.
  
  
• Running is a wonderful energy booster and stress-buster. It helps strengthen the lower body while also strengthening the heart. It’s very affordable, too.
  
  
• Cycling is a low impact sport that gives the heart, lungs, and blood vessels a workout. Done regularly, it can help build up your stamina for day-to-day activities.
  
  

You may also consider ice skating, gymnastics, badminton, tennis, martial arts or golf.

Team Sports
These kinds of sports are great for children who enjoy playing games with friends.

• Ultimate Frisbee is a competitive but non-contact sport. It offers a lot of cardiovascular benefits while also strengthening the upper and lower body.
  
  
• Football helps improve fitness and stamina. Because it involves a lot of running around, it’s a great way to for your child to lose unwanted weight.
  
  
• Volleyball tones the upper body, especially the arms. It is also a sport that improves hand and foot flexibility.
  
  

You may also consider basketball, baseball or hockey.

Sports and your child’s development

Any sport can have a positive impact on your child’s development. You see, playing sports gives your child a chance to develop his social skills. They will also learn important values like discipline, patience, teamwork and sportsmanship.

On top of that, physical sports enhance your child’s physique.  Not only will his muscles, joints and bones become stronger and more flexible, he would also be less prone to obesity, heart problems, and cancer. Sports would also help hone his motor skills. And did I mention that a sport is a great stress reliever for a child? Children who are physically active tend to sleep better at night, and they also appear to have higher self esteem. 

So what are you waiting for? Go on, encourage your child to take up a sport this summer. You may want to talk to your pediatrician about what sport would best suit your child’s physical abilities and temperament.

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