Fit Mom Blog: Get 'Em Involved!

Written by Shannon Meteraud, IFBB Pro Sunday, 19 February 2012 00:00

 Although Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd and predicted six more weeks of winter, spring is just around the corner. It is time to get outside and enjoy Spring Sports!

Whether it be baseball, soccer, tennis or golf, there is something out there exciting for you child. I am a firm believer in recreational sports and the role it plays in childhood development. Besides the obvious benefits of exercise, other important benefits are sometimes overlooked. Team involvement is a great education source for our children. They learn about leadership, teamwork, socialization, camaraderie, fairness, friendship and the importance of winning AND losing. Playing a sport teaches them coordination, skills, determination, and dedication. There are so many wonderful benefits!

Not all children are going to be superstar athletes, but that does not mean they should not benefit from the lessons of sports. My children started out at age 4. They have tried almost every sport that is available to them. They have loved certain activities and continue to remain involved. Of course, some sports they did not like so much. We have a rule that once the money is paid, they have to stick it out until the season is over. This teaches them that quitting is not an option. If we teach them to quit things they struggle with, what type of parents are we? Teach them to persevere! This will make them stronger in all aspects of their life. Remember, these are some of the future "Fit Moms"!

Allow them to tell you what they are interested in playing. Maybe their friends from school are playing T-ball and they want to play on Johnny's team. Obviously, we want them to play and excel in an activity or sport that we too are knowledgeable and interested in. After all, we are the ones that will take them to all the practices and watch the games! However, that does not mean you should deter them from a sport that you are inexperienced in. It could be their calling and end up paying for their college (Bonus!!). Whether you are familiar with the sport or not, you should help them to achieve their personal goals and continue to be supportive. Help them to understand the rules. Play catch. Kick some balls (remember this is extra exercise for you too). Whatever you can do to help them and show them you are supportive.

Maybe your child is interested in a more individualized activity or sport like dance or karate. These fall under the same category to me. It may not be a team, but all the same rules apply. It is taught in a class atmosphere with several other children. Most dance schools have a recital or some type of performance. The students have to work together to be their best that day on the stage. The same with karate, where there is a competition at the end of each level to receive a new belt. This teaches goal setting and showmanship.

When it comes down to it, life is a lot like sports. We practice to be better at whatever job we have because we want to be the best and to be successful. In order to do that, we must persevere through the difficulties, the wins, and the losses. We need to learn how to play well with others so we have friends that guide us through all aspects of life. You may be the best athlete in the world or the most successful businessperson, but if you are alone, is it worth it in the end? Getting our children familiar with the "sport" of life early on teaches them so much and they don't even know it because they are having so much fun. I have to admit, I enjoy it too! I love watching my kids running, playing, and having a great time with a sporting activity. Who knows what opportunities it could provide for their future: Scholarships, fame, and fortune... Just kidding! It is all about having a great time and learning valuable lessons in life!

Enjoy your journey and be a Fit "team-oriented" Mom!  Please feel free to contact me with questions, tips, and or personal stories, regarding your path to “Fit Mom” at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Shannon Meteraud
IFBB Pro & Fit Mom
 
Shannon is retired from competing, but still an active part of the IFBB/NPC as the promoter of the NPC Junior USA Championships.  Find out more about this great contest (it's an IFBB pro-qualifer) at www.npcjuniorusa.com