Screens may often dominate leisure time in today’s world. Thus, cultivating a love for sports in children has never been more important. Physical activity not only contributes to a healthy lifestyle but also instills essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. However, fostering this love for sports requires thoughtful strategies that align with each child’s unique interests and personality. In this article, we turn to thought leaders to share their personal experiences and professional insights. These seasoned professionals offer invaluable tips for parents looking to inspire their children to enjoy sports and to help them develop habits that can lead to lifelong wellness and joy.

Lead by Example

As a sports performance coach, I’ve found that the best way to instill a love of sports in children is to lead by example. Participate in sports and fitness activities with your kids. Let them see your passion for staying active and competitive. Take them to youth sporting events and make it an exciting family outing.

Find sports your child is naturally drawn to and support their interests. Don’t force them into activities they don’t enjoy. Provide opportunities for your child to develop skills and confidence. For example, I’ve worked with parents to help their children gain speed and agility for baseball or basketball. The training and progress build enthusiasm.

Most of all, be your child’s biggest fan. Cheer them on at games and practices. Celebrate their wins and encourage them after losses. Your enthusiasm and belief in them will motivate your child to push themselves further in sports.

James Lujan, Sports Performance Director, VB Speed LLC

Model Enthusiastic Participation

A lot of times with children, it’s more about “what you do” rather than “what you say.” If kids see Mom and Dad reading books all the time, they will probably be more apt to read. Likewise, when parents incorporate sports and physical fitness into their daily lives, it creates enthusiasm and interest from children. 

Our family recently took a Saturday-morning swim lesson for children. My husband and I brought our 3-year-old girl and 1-year-old boy for their first experience in a pool. A few minutes into the first session, the instructor directed all the parents to dunk their heads down into the water and pop back up with a big smile in front of our kids. 

It seemed a bit odd at first. “Isn’t this a swim lesson for kids? Why do I have to get my head all wet?” But our teacher stated, “If your kids see it’s fun and that you are happy, they are more willing to try and not be scared of getting their face wet.” It made perfect sense. 

In the same regard, as parents, we should model the sports and other physical activities we want our children to get into. And don’t complain about losing or get visibly upset about missing a par putt—it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process—giving our kids a positive and safe environment that piques their interest.

Amy Johnson, Founder and Blogger, AmyBabys.com

Make Activities Fun and Imaginative

I believe that the best way to encourage kids to love sports is by making it all about fun and imagination. Owning a rugby store has let me see firsthand that when activities feel like games, kids are all-in. 

Why not turn your backyard into an awesome obstacle course? Or how about setting up a scavenger hunt that gets them running and jumping? You can even customize challenges to mimic their favorite sports. Keeping these activities fresh and fun is important. It helps hold their interest and keeps things pressure-free. 

Let them invite friends over to join in! It makes it more fun and social. Always celebrate their effort and participation, not just their wins. This builds a welcoming and supportive tone. Mixing creativity with physical activity isn’t just good for them now—it helps them cherish an active lifestyle for years to come.

Adam Clark, Director, RugbyStuff.com

Bond Through Shared Sports Experiences

As a music producer, getting out of the studio is crucial, and one of my favorite things to do outside of the studio is golf. While I am not yet a father, my love of golf began at a young age as a way to connect with my dad. Every weekend, and sometimes even a few times a week, we would hit the golf course together. It was a time for us to bond, talk about our lives, and just enjoy each other’s company while also being physically active. 

My dad instilled the love of this sport by taking the time to make golf some of my best memories growing up. One day, I hope to be able to do the same with my own children and watch them develop a love for sports and physical activities, just like my dad did with me.

Corey Walles, Music Producer, SoundsLikeCorey

Integrate Sports into Daily Routines

Integrating sports into everyday family routines is an effective method for encouraging children to love physical activities. Instead of treating exercise as a separate, scheduled task, make it a part of your daily interactions. For instance, you can transform routine family walks into engaging sports challenges by setting goals, timing each other, or even having playful races. These small changes can make physical activity feel like a fun and integral part of family life rather than a separate obligation.

Another great strategy is to actively involve your children in planning these activities. Let them have a say in what games or sports they would like to try. This could mean letting them choose which park to visit or what type of game to play during family time. When children are part of the decision-making process, they are more likely to be excited and motivated.

Maria Knobel, Medical Director, Medical Cert UK

Keep Sports Fun and Low-Pressure

Make it fun and low-pressure. Introducing sports as a playful, family-oriented activity rather than a competitive one helps kids associate it with joy and bonding time. For example, organizing a weekly family game night where everyone participates in a sport or physical activity creates positive memories around exercise. Parents can also let kids try different sports to find what they genuinely enjoy. The goal is to foster a love for being active, not just winning, so kids develop a lifelong habit of movement.

Josh Bolstad, Entrepreneur, Niche Ranker

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