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Now that school's getting started, it's time to consider your children's extracurricular activities.
What's more important, giving children time to be kids or getting them into organized activities? A little of both is best, according to experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. They suggest that organized sports are a good way for kids to spend their free time, but it's also good for children to have the opportunity to just relax.
Organized sports have a number of physical and psychological benefits. Dr. Karl, a UT Southwestern orthopedic surgeon, says organized sports leagues may help prevent injuries. Children in organized leagues are more likely to use proper protective gear and to have adult supervision than kids who just play on the playground or a vacant lot. Children in organized leagues are also more likely to be matched up with kids who are similar to them in size, strength and age, which means they're less likely to be injured.
Sports also make for healthier kids. Dr. Thomas Van Hoose, a UT Southwestern psychiatrist, says that team sports keep kids active, which can help prevent childhood obesity. Activity is also good for the brain. When playing organized sports, children learn about teamwork, fair play and taking direction from adults other than their parents. These are skills that will help them in school and in life.
Just don't load your children's schedule to the point they don't have time for homework or for relaxing with the family. Unstructured free time is also important for children.
