12 questions about sports and children 2026

That physical exercise is good for health is something that no one disputes. Hence the importance of encouraging children to practice it, from a young age. Nowadays, when our children spend so many hours watching TV, playing video game consoles, surfing the Internet..., getting them into sports is the best vaccine against a sedentary lifestyle.

1. What benefits does it provide?

Continuous sports activity promotes balanced development: greater physical resistance, better coordination and good balance.

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Sport encourages sociability, improves self-esteem and stimulates the desire to improve. And it is known that children who play sports enjoy greater intellectual performance and a better ability to concentrate.

2. How to practice it?

It must always be considered as a recreational activity, free of pressure and competitiveness. For them to really get into it, they have to have a good time. It must not entail danger or cause exhaustion (the effort must be in relation to the child's abilities).

3. Which one is suitable?

All aerobic sports, that is, those in which you do not have to lose your breath or hold your breath, and those that promote global development, both in coordination and respiratory capacity as well as in balance.

And it is better if they are practiced outdoors. Swimming, athletics, gymnastics, cycling and soccer are examples of optimal sports.

4. Are there contraindications?

Only dangerous sports would be discouraged, such as climbing, and modalities that require the development of excessive strength (exercises with weights, squash...).

5. Is it better to play as a team?

Yes, because they learn to work with others, create bonds of camaraderie and share successes and responsibilities. Sports that are practiced alone help develop tenacity and the desire to improve, which is also recommended at these ages.

6. Should we allow risky sports?

In the child's ability and his ability to be responsible we have the key to what activities he can do and what he cannot.

In any case, parents must supervise the conditions in which their child practices a sport. For example, although skiing or horse riding may entail risks, they are considered safe if precautions are taken: expert instructors, appropriate equipment, facilities in good condition, etc. If we have doubts, perhaps we can convince them to wait until they are 11 or 12 years old.

7. How much time to dedicate to it?

It is not necessary to set limits. The body itself regulates the amount of exercise it needs. From a minimum of three or four hours per week (in the afternoons or on weekends), let the child decide when he is tired.

8. What happens if you don't want to play sports?

We can encourage you, without pressure. The family example is essential. It will be difficult to convince him how fun exercise is if we don't practice it. Sometimes parents want their child to do what they couldn't. It is a mistake. We must let him choose, and not make sport a painful obligation.

9. What if it becomes an obsession?

Nothing happens, unless we detect alarming signs: if he does not spend time doing necessary things, such as eating, doing homework or resting, and the issue creates conflicts with his friends or family, we must act and offer him alternatives that divert his attention to other entertainment.

10. How to prevent injuries?

Footwear is very important. Children must wear the appropriate shoes for the sport in question. They must also do muscle stretching and warm-up beforehand.

11. Do we let him leave?

It is normal for him to want to sign up for different activities, and then leave them disappointed. He must find the sport that suits his tastes and physical and psychological characteristics. And it is he who must choose, not us. Let's be patient.

12. What to do with the clumsy?

Those who are bad at sports or fear that their peers will laugh because of their clumsiness or appearance must be taught to accept themselves and encourage in them the desire to improve, without forcing or criticizing.

To encourage fatties to exercise, it is best to accompany them, help them discover what they like and tell them how well they do some things.

Advisor:Eloísa Pérez Zorrilla, rehabilitation doctor