What Can We Do to Inspire Our Young Generation to do Sports? (Steemit Education Homework - Day 219)

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The now that our young generation lives and breathes is so different than what you and I experienced back then. At the present time, we are bursting with new flavours and charm of technology, video games applications and social media platforms. A quick news flash, it will continue on for many centuries to come, simply because our world is evolving and ever-changing. There will be always be something new, something better, something that is just a cut above.

These fascinating additions, or perhaps hobbies in their eyes, have taken away their time and for some, interest and motivation to do sports or even outdoors. Thus, we, teachers and parents, play a crucial role to inaugurate and impel our young generation to do sports and it could just be that something new that they may find great delight in doing them. Here are some ways we can do together to make it happen:

1. Be the pacemaker

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It starts with us. Why not be honest with ourselves first? When was the last time you went for a swim? Or maybe, that badminton outing that we often called in 'sick' or 'busy'? The fact that we are the immediate role-models that the young generation look up to is no longer uncommon. Most of their first-hand experiences are emulated by what we do and how we speak. If we demonstrate our interest and enthusiasm in sports, we are indirectly introducing them the excitement that they can also gain from doing sports. So, go ahead, look at your work schedule and make purposeful plans about it. In fact, it may just do good for us as much as it is for them - it is the perfect stress buster! Yes, I am guilty in this too - you are not alone. Meh.

2. Set the goals right

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Setting the right goals intentionally will help us in the long run. Don't scare them with all the diabetes and obesity statistics in your early conversations. Most of them are not naturally compelled to do sports and telling them that they MUST do sports just because they are fat is not helpful at all. Alternatively, goal setting should come hand in hand with creating a positive awareness of the benefits in doing sports. Get them to start with a simple goal like 'to be stronger', 'to cross the monkey bars', 'to do a cartwheel', or 'to feel more awake at school'. This way, it allows deeper, meaningful conversations on how these simple goals can be achieved, and eventually turn them into their daily or weekly routines.

3. Use their 'comfort zone'

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All of us feel comfortable and at ease in doing things within our comfort zones. Why not use their 'comfort zones' to inspire them to do sports? Find out who their best buddies are and what their favourite places like. Get connected with them and introducing sport activities will be a breeze. Doing sports together within their 'comfort zones' helps to reduce their anxiety of making mistakes and even, failing. Furthermore, not only their friendship bonds would be strengthened, we are also prompting them to make further suggestions of other sport or outdoor activities. One simple way to do that comes with multiple fruitful results. How captivating!

4. Prioritize and praise efforts

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Always remember, what matters the most is the efforts taken. No matter how little the effort may be, do take time to recognize it sincerely. It relays a message that we are truly concerned about their thinking and wellbeing. By doing this, it offers a deeper sense of vulnerability and dedication in them to do sports enthusiastically. Congratulate them when they achieve something or do something right and use non-critical ways to correct their errors. The heart of every praise is the words that we use. Avoid giving general remarks like 'Well done!' or 'Good job!' instead be a little specific like 'I watched how high you jumped for the ball just now before scoring a basket, and that was amazing!' or 'I am very proud of you that you wanted to do 2 more rounds of swimming on your own!'.

5. Motivate and engage further

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Keep going, and get creative. It almost feel and sound like we are trying to court our little boyfriends and girlfriends here. HAHAHAHA! Start making plans for a family sports outing together. Perhaps, even participate in a local event near you. Besides that, since they love their screen time, you can also recommend child-friendly movies that showcase different types of sports whilst learning the imperative value of sportsmanship too. My personal picks would be Ice Princess, Million Dollar Arm, The Mighty Ducks and We Are Marshall.

I sure hope that you have gained new insights from my post here, and WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER! Thank you for reading my post today. :)
This post is my personal response to Steemit Education homework (Day 219), as elaborated below:

Many kids are no longer interested in sport. They don't want to participate because they have become lazy and just want to sit in front of the television or play video games. How do you get kids to participate in sport? (taken directly from @steemiteducation)

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