Daughters may be more hesitant to play sports for a variety of reasons, one of which could be embarrassment that they are not good enough.
What if there were a way to decrease the chances of your teenage daughter becoming pregnant, as well as avoiding a host of other behaviors that have serious risks? According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, involvement in sports may be the key. - Connect with Kids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that sports participation and exercise are positive alternatives to risk-taking for girls. Playing sports gives young females independence, status with peers, a chance to make friends, relaxation, weight control and more. According to the CDC, girls who play sports learn the following life skills:
- Teamwork
- Goal-setting
- The experience of success
- The pursuit of excellence in performance
- How to deal with failures
- Actively support your teens involvement in physical activity. Buy your teen good equipment, watch his or her games and consider volunteering as a coach.
- Take your teen to the park and be active with him or her. Help your teen learn the fundamental skills of running, throwing, catching and kicking.
- Be an active role model yourself. Mothers who participate in sports increase their child's participation rate by 22%. Fathers increase that rate by 11%.
- Emphasize fun and fitness rather than competition and slimness. Encourage your teen to try a variety of new activities, and help him or her acquire the skills and equipment needed for participation. Consistently offer praise and support to your teen.
- Introduce your teen to active male and female athletes. Buy sports books about successful male and female athletes. Watch sporting events on television and attend competitions in your community.
Reference: Connect with Kids
Be an educated parent, you will have healthier and safer teens.
Read more on Examiner.
