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Let the child play

Children should be allowed to select their own sport

Some kids just hate team sports. There are many reasons for this: bullying, poor social skills, low self-esteem and lack of natural sporting talent are some of the common causes.

Team sports

Some reasons for not liking team sports are modifiable. The most common one is introducing kids to team sports very early. Kids develop the attention span and athletic skill required for most games at around six years. Try not to keep a score. Correct mistakes gently and playfully. Kids who feel they are failing in the eyes of their parents or peers tend to lose interest.

Some kids are just shy. A kid who is pushed into something he doesn't want to do will develop a lifelong phobia for the game. Always pay attention to a child's fears while you build his character. Use tact. And let your child know he can always try something else if he doesn't like this game.

Natural abilities matter. There is a game for every child. Parents need to be patient and wait for a child's natural inclinations to come through. Some kids just do not like contact sports where they have a chance of getting hurt. Most kids grow out of the fear of getting hurt. Some don't.

And parents need to know when it is time to give in to the child's fears and allow him orher to play a non-contact sport.

Find out what makes your child happy. If he likes playing with the dog or just going for a jog or a bicycle ride by himself, it is best to encourage him .

Any physical activity is good as long as the child finds it enjoyable.

You may have wanted him to play cricket, but if football is his thing, go buy him that damn ball.

RAJIV M

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