Just as it is for us - we really don't need gyms and trainers to be more healthy - the simple truth of weight loss and fitness is "Eat Less - Do More"
Odds are good your kids are going to be interested in one sport or another - this too is about the activity more than - the cost of specialized training.
We are an athletic family - but there is a difference between an athlete and an enthusiast and we have some of each in my collection of 5 children. My oldest son (High School Junior), and youngest son (5th grader) are truly athletes - the sport has become beyond the time they are with a coach, they work on their athleticism beyond the time they spend with the team - they take pride in their physical accomplishments. I would like to think that I created a path for them to become athletes. You find the true athletes on a team have little tolerance for others messing around.
As a kid - I was a "study" in athletic potential with no path to get there - opportunities were not created for me, and although I went out for sports there were many obstacles to even participating.
Tip number one - let them try, maybe nudge them here a bit - as many different sports as possible when they are in grade school. Personally we have not been on any select teams and that has not really held anyone back. Leagues at Boys and Girls Clubs, and the YMCA are usually much less in cost.
Summer Camps
Summer camps put on by the local High Schools are a great way to get physical activity, learn skills, and see what sports they like best. These camps are usually $20 - $50 - they get a shirt and have some fun. You can go to any schools camps usually until they are in High School. My younger son has decided early that he prefers running, football, and wrestling - so this summer he will go to multiple football and wrestling camps.
Local Athletes - High School and College Athletes
Get to know the older kids in your neighborhood - my oldest has served as a mentor to younger kids in the neighborhood and several of them are becoming solid athletes as well. Make a connection with the athletes and ask them to show your kid some techniques of the sport, buy him/her a pizza or something for the effort, it is worth the investment.
The Internet
Once your child has decided on some sports look for drills on the internet - you can find things that they can do or you can assist them with in the house or backyard.
Coaching
Finally, the most money saving and effective method of helping your young athlete - Be their Coach! My next blog will cover this in detail - because this is a little more involved - its more time, and it is more intimidating for many parents. I coach sports for my kids that I never played - it can be done - and the REWARDS are worth it.
So stay tuned - Moms - Dads - the secret to still being "cool" in your kids eyes when they are in High School will be in my next blog.
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