Sleeping in; a thing of the past!

Gone are the days when parents could lie in, stay in bed (well at least one of them) and recharge the batteries for the following week. Once children start getting older and begin school, life becomes busier and busier.  Very soon children’s interests change, new friends are made and their passion for various sporting activities awakens.  

Saturday mornings are now spent getting up at the crack of dawn (like every other day), rushing through breakfast and driving children from one or two venues at a time.

 

As these weekend sports normally begin during the winter months; parents send their children out of the house wearing light weight clothing. They watch their children running, jumping, kicking, catching, throwing and jumping in poor weather conditions and at most times in heavy rain or hail, freezing cold winds and even low temperatures.

Standing along side a court parent’s are rugged up, shivering, exhaling fog breath smoke, seen slightly tap dancing on the spot to warm up and get the feeling back into the frost bitten toes.  Cups of hot coffee, chocolate or tea may also be consumed hoping this might just ease off the chill.  (Vague memories of my own mother being dressed from head to toe, with nothing but her eyes in view springs to mind).  

Contrary to the above; parents do enjoy watching their children compete and enjoy their sport/s and children should be encouraged, praised and motivated.  The above may seem like a lot of effort and a horrid way to spend your Saturday mornings (even I have grumbled at times); however weekend sports are good for children, and there are many benefits including:

 

  • Reduced risk of obesity
  • Increased cardiovascular fitness
  • Healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons
  • Improved coordination and balance
  • A greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension (such as headache or back ache)
  • Improved sleep
  • Mental health benefits, such as greater confidence
  • Improved social skills
  • Improved personal skills, including cooperation and leadership.

Children should be encouraged to do sports; the above list is a good reason and today there are SO MANY sporting activities to choose from.

The regular age to start is around 6 – 7 years old ~ the youngest team to join is usually the Under 8’s age group. Once children start playing from this age, they may end up doing so right through up until their teen years or even longer; therefore one can expect to attend many games throughout their sporting careers!

But most importantly; sports and activities must be fun and enjoyable for all involved; so next time you are shivering along side a court (I will be there this coming Saturday); remember the other mums and dads and most importantly your own parents; they also did this for you too!

And if you are already counting down to the children’s last game of the season or annoyed by the amount of mud you have to scrub off those football or soccer clothes; here is a small reminder ~ that sleep in is just around corner and Summer is only 6 MONTHS away!  Wink

Enjoy your Saturday morning everyone!

mud aaron 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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