You Go Girls! Why it's important for your daughter to play sports.

Gone are the days when girls were confined to playing traditional girly games like Barbie or dress-up. Each year the number of girls playing sports in the U.S. increases as parents and their daughters discover the many benefits and joys of playing team sports.

With this new way of thinking comes challenges for girls too. Psychologically girls view sports very differently than boys. Competition for many girls means having to deal with coaches yelling at them, worrying about ‘upsetting’ their best friend whom they are competing against, and fear that they will disappoint their team. But girls also see competition as a way to respect each other and appreciate the time together instead of having a ‘win/loose’ attitude like boys do. Here’s the breakdown and the benefits of sports for girls.

Physical and Emotional Benefits:

• Playing sports promotes physical well-being. Skills such as running and jumping increase her gross motor skills. This helps to build strength and endurance that will help promote lifelong health.

• Positive body image. Girls who play sports generally do not rely on the ideal pictures of girls in magazines, but rather see themselves as beautiful with their sporty body instead.

• Proven to decrease sexually risky behavior. Many girls who play sports choose not to experiment in sexually risky behavior (including promiscuity and unprotected sex).

• Psychological benefits include: Higher self esteem, increased academic success, less depression, and an increased earning potential once grown.

• Gives girls a nurturing environment. Girls can develop their skills, explore their strengths, and test limits all within a safe environment.

• Builds resiliency. When girls succeed in sports, it helps develop resiliency – something that enables girls to thrive and grow throughout their life. By being physically active, they are more likely to succeed in other aspects of their life.

How to Help Your Girl Play Sports:

• Encourage her to try a variety of sports. Let her choose which one she likes the best.

• Make sure she has the right equipment. Depending on the sport, equipment can be expensive so if you cannot purchase something new, try second hand stores or internet outlet retailers – often you can find great deals.

• Attend her games. Just providing her with the right equipment is not enough. The most important support parents can give their daughters is hands-on. Attend as many games as you can. This will not only let her know that you have an interest in what she is doing, but it will also encourage her to keep playing.

• Role Model. Try to remain active yourself. Let you daughter see you exercising, playing sports are just taking a walk in the park.

• Get her interested in womens sports. This is a great way to ‘bond’ with your daughter and it will open her eyes up to all of the endless possibilities that womens sports offer.

• Take videos & photos. This is a little something extra that parents can save for years to come, even if she does not end up continuing the sport. Its fun to look at pictures together and it will remind her of your involvement and support for her.

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