How To Be Sport Happy

Ever watch a kid swimming in a pool with his or her friends or family? See those smiles? It’s as if everyone has a bathing suit on that says “I’m Swimming Happy”.  Being Sport Happy is that simple. It all starts with positive energy and a smile when playing sports. Positive energy is creating a safe, structured, encouraging environment for kids to play. Smiling is easy. Kids love to smile. Parents love it when kids smile. And kids react positively when they see that their parents are smiling. Sports should encourage happy play on the sports field. At very early ages, kids can learn that sports are fun. For kids ages 3-13, there should be less pressure to perform at the highest levels, and more emphasis on the playing aspect. True lessons can be learned about playing well with teammates, playing fair with competitors, listening to the coaches, and embracing the rules of the sport, all while being sport happy. So how do parents create an environment where kids can Be Sport Happy? Parents need to listen to their kids. Ask them what sports they like to play. Suggest new ones. Encourage them to try different sports. Invite their friends to join them. Try the same sports at different ages if there seems to be an indifference. Always teach your children that sports are competitive (because life is too) but that competitions can be fun if everyone plays fairly and with a positive attitude. Tell kids that moving their bodies and trying new things is fun and show them how you, too, try new things every day that make you happy. Brainstorm fun, new ways to make the sport fun. Perhaps a game at the end of practice that uses the same skills but mixes it up a bit. Make sports a family affair. Wear team colors. Think up fun chants. Make up a cool handshake to be used just before the game begins, or at the end. Smiles are contagious. Kids who want to progress into the next level in sports will keep moving forward even with smiles on their faces. Don’t separate fun from progression or seriousness in the sport. Some of the best athletes out there will still tell you they are having fun. Encourage Be Sport Happy behavior and it will catch on!

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/besporthappy or join our Be Sport Happy Saratoga Equipment Exchange group on Facebook and exchange used sports equipment with other Saratoga families:  www.facebook.com/groups/besporthappy.