Satyamev Jayate: Why every child needs sports in their life

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The 4^th season of Satyamev Jayate started with a bang with Aamir Khan discussing an issue that Indian parents love to ignore – sports! Every parent – especially the burgeoning middle class – wants their children to get an education which will guarantee a good job and a ‘safe’ life. This means that most children of this generation never learn to play, to take part in sports or do things that every child should. However, not participating in sports not only hinders a child’s growth. 

Children these days live a different life altogether. Not only are they most often found glued to their computers, laptops, mobiles or tablets but they do not have as much exposure to the outside world as the people in previous generations did. Playing outside has become non-existent and honestly where is the time, between all those classes, tuition and school? Well, letting your child play can actually help him/her do better at school, be emotionally stable and grow up to be a better human. Here are 9 reasons every child should take part in sports, irrespective of their gender. 

Makes children sharper

According to Dr John Rately, co-author of the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, an active child’s brain develops much better than one who is not. He found that active kids have better cognition, focus on tasks more easily, have a faster reaction time and therefore perform better at school. Playing  a sport also helps the child be more social, make friendships, and sleep well; all of which are essential factors in mental development. So the next time you stop your child from going out to play and study instead, remember that a quick game of cricket, football, a run, or even a walk is what can help him/her excel at school.

Helps their brain grow

A 2010 study conducted at the University of Illinois’ psychology department found that regular physical exercise can influence both the brain structure and function in a child. Dr John Rately found that when a child is active or plays a sport, the brain produces a protein called BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor). This protein helps build nerve connections. The stronger these connections (which happens with continued physical activity) the easier it is for a child to learn and retain information.

Makes bones stronger!

 While we all know that exercise helps build muscles, this activity is especially important for children. When a child plays sports his body becomes stronger, the muscles become more toned, bones are stronger and more resilient to stresses and strains of daily life. Sports also help a growing child’s body become more flexible and therefore beats common ailments like joint pain later in life. Doctors say that a child who plays any sport or is physically active has joints that are far more flexible and therefore less likely to degrade later in life — a common reason for  bone and joint disorders.

Improves posture

According to Angela Hanscom, a paediatric occupational therapist, children who are less active have poor posture and balance. She says that for children to have good gait and balance the child’s muscles must be strong enough. For this they need to move their body in all directions for hours at a time, on a regular basis and not just once or twice a week. This also helps get rid of a child’s pent up energy and therefore helps him/her focus better.

Improves the health of their heart and lungs

 When a child plays a sport it is basically a cardio workout. This helps his/her heart pump blood efficiently and increases their lung capacity. All of which is essential for your child’s health.

Strengthens immune system

Not only does regular exercise help the body perform better but when the child is exposed to mud, open air and other air, soil and water borne bacteria his/her body gets a  boost in his/her  immunity. Once exposed your child can build resistance to the bacterium, helping him/he beat a whole host of common ailments.

Teaches them about ‘we’

When a child plays sports there are often times when the games are played in teams. This is where your child learns to be a team player. It teaches him/her the essential lesson of team spirit, playing not for selfish reasons but for their team as a whole. This also helps him/her understand the nuances of sharing and being selfless.

Makes them competitive

 Playing a sport teaches your child the spirit of competitiveness. Not only will this help your child learn that to excel at anything one needs to be resilient and strong (mentally), but will also teach him/her the importance of wanting to win at whatever they do. As a tip this can be detrimental too, as many kids hate to lose. This is when you can teach your child that losing is okay but trying to win is what is important.

Gives them a ‘never-say-die’ attitude

Your child learns a lot at home and from you, but practising what they learn is also an important aspect of growing. When a child plays a sport or is learning one, the tenacity a sports person needs to hone their skill teaches your child to never give up or back down. Another good lesson a child learns is how to overcome adversities and still achieve the goal he/she has set out to achieve.

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Satyamev Jayate: Why every child needs sports in their life