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Most parents would like to see their children playing sports as it gives them the chance to get some exercise, learn some life skills, and mix with other like-minded kids. While extroverted children need little encouragement to get involved, introverted children can find it harder to join in and are often nervous about doing so. Here are some good ways to encourage introverted children to play sports.
Get Them Used to Sport
Getting them used to sport and thinking about whether they would enjoy it is a great place to start. Events such as the Olympics or similar multi-sport events can be a good thing for them to watch, as this will give them access to a lot of different sports and they will be able to choose one they like the look of.
Choose The Sport
Thinking back, the captain of the football or basketball team was usually one of the most popular people in school. They would always have a team of people around them, and they are often quite extroverted. Your introverted child might shy away from these sports and these types of kids if they prefer to be alone or with one or two close friends, so it is best to choose the sports they play quite carefully. They do not have to play as part of a team if they are introverted. Sports such as swimming, running, or athletics are solo activities that will still give them a lot of exercise and let them mix with like-minded people, but they will do this on their own terms rather than having to be part of a team. This may suit them a lot better.
Support Them
If they are showing an interest in a sport, then great. Encourage and support them as much as you can. This does not need to be expensive, as you can take them out to the local park to play sports, which doesn’t cost you anything. If you are an expert or even reasonably proficient you can create your own bases, markers, and even bats for your child to play with. You may want to spend a little money on their sport eventually, but these are good ways of getting your introverted children into a sport to start with and seeing if they enjoy it and are likely to stick to it before you start investing money in their sport. Once you are sure they love it, shop for equipment. For example, if you with wood, there are some great options available.
Encourage Them
A lot of kids need encouragement to join in with sports and this is especially true if they are introverts. Playing the sport with them and showing them how much fun it can be might encourage them to play. Talk about the sport they have taken an interest in and find out where they might be able to take part in it with kids their own age. They may have an after-school club they could join, or you could find a club local to you if you look on the internet. Allowing them to practice on their own or with you to start with can give them the confidence they need to try out for the team.
There is a fine line between encouraging and pushing and you shouldn’t cross it. If you feel that your child isn’t interested in the sport it might be a good idea to give up and try something different such as music, drama, or even chess. They will still learn some of the skills they need but they may be more comfortable doing so.
It can be difficult to encourage introverted children to play sport but if you can get their attention and spark their interest, you are partway there.
