If you’re lucky enough you probably have a few or more kid athletes you root for every Sunday or two. Kids often get involved in sports from a young age and for most of them, just getting to play on the field is reward enough and for parents, just being able to cheer them on is a great experience in itself.

 

But for those parents looking to encourage kids to continue participating in this healthy lifestyle even as they grow older, it’s important to remind them why this lifestyle is important for them and why it matters to you. As kids grow older and start to take interest in tablets and smartphone screens, it becomes a parent’s job to push them to continue leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Here are some great ways to encourage them:

 

1. Involve Yourself

As a busy parent, it’s easy to take on the role of chauffer and occasionally ask how the game went. But it’s important to let your kids know that you’re still cheering for them whether that means buying the team some pizza after the game or wearing their jersey number!

 

2. Go to Their Games

Whether they’re cool enough to say it or not, kids really do like having their parents in the stands cheering them on. Sure, they understand parents are busy, but at the end of the day they’ll be thankful you took time out of your schedule to come see them do their best.

 

3. Reward Them

Win or not, as a parent, you’re allowed to reward them. Many believe that the “trophy just for showing up” philosophy leads to more damage in the real world than it does good, but if you can’t be there to give them the high five at the end of the day, who will?

 

4. Have the Family Help Show Support

Have the family get together and make some jerseys with their number before a big game. It will mean a lot to them to see even the pesky little brothers or sisters taking their time to show them they’re rooting for them too.

 

5. Give Them Their Own Plaque

No matter how the season, went let them know sometimes your best is all you got with a plaque of their very own. Engrave it with their name, number and team name and add a message that says exactly what you want to say. It’s a piece they’ll cherish even when their soccer championship days are long gone.