Whether you were the star player or the kid who picked flowers in the middle of the field all game, almost everyone has memories of being on a sports team when they were young. Some lose interest over time and pursue other activities, while others find they really enjoy their sport, maybe have a real talent for it, and continue playing until they are young adults. Whatever the case, parents should take a couple of factors into consideration when determining if their child is ready for sports. If they begin playing too early, it might turn them off to the sport before they really understand it. It could also result in premature wear on muscles and bones that prevents them from playing their sport later on. ACTIVE SEARCHING FOR ACTIVE PASTIMES FINDING THE RIGHT TIME TO GET YOUR CHILDREN INTO SPORTS
Some children might not show interest in organized sports at all. If your child does not seem interested in any sports, even though they are old enough to understand the rules and are coordinated enough to play, you might want to consider other activities, like art or music classes. Still, it is essential that they are active for at least an hour every day, no matter their interests. Sometimes kids will get frustrated with the sports they play (even if they like playing them), and they might want to quit. If your child doesn’t seem to like the sport you signed them up for, encourage them to at least finish out the season. They might just need a little more time to warm up to it. However, if they still aren’t
Most experts believe that the proper age for introducing your child to sports is somewhere between 6 and 9 years old. When they are younger than 6, it is important for them to be active, but their motor skills are not yet developed enough to play most competitive sports. Trying to get them to understand this fact at that age might only make them frustrated with the sport and make them dislike it before they can even give it a try. Even when children are between the ages of 6 and 9, they might not be ready for sports that require higher forms of coordination, like
football or hockey. Instead, try sports like T-ball, soccer, or karate. They won’t be ready for more intensive sports until they are 10–12 years old.
If your child does not seem to enjoy team sports, you might see if they may like more individual sports, like running or swimming. Their personality can be just as significant as their age when it comes to choosing the right sport.
enjoying it at the end of the season, help them find other activities that they might like better. Ultimately, when a child is ready to play sports, it is important to stay in tune with what brings them joy and what keeps them mentally and physically healthy.
MnSoM STUDENTS SWEEP THE COMPETITION CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS! Lucy Hadsall
In February’s newsletter, we announced that three of our star pupils were competing in the prestigious Twin Cities Preliminary Piano Competition. Lucy Hadsall, Caleb Nehring, and Maxine Pagaduan competed against thousands of other aspiring pianists in front of a panel of judges selected by the Minnesota Music Teachers Association. It is now our pleasure to announce that all three of these amazing young musicians passed this preliminary stage with flying colors!
With over 1,700 kids competing here locally, this isn’t a contest with room for participation trophies. Despite fierce competition, Lucy, Caleb, and Maxine scored well enough to compete at regionals! This is an amazing achievement, and every one of them should be incredibly proud of their hard work. As teachers and mentors, we are overjoyed by their success and can’t wait for all of their incredible performances in the future! Congratulations!
Caleb Nehring
Maxine Pagaduan
2 • www.mnschoolofmusic.com
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