At What Age Can You Tell If Child Is Athletic?
Several factors, environmental and genetic, determine whether a child is athletic or not. There is no precise age at which one can tell athletic ability in a child, but between the ages of 6 to 9 years, you could start seeing signs of athletics in a child.
At this age, a child has developed most motor skills suitable for athletics. If any or both parents are athletic, there is a high chance that their child too will follow suit. This article looks at signs that can signal that a child is athletic and how one can help nurture them.
Signs Of An Athletic Child
Athletic Parents
Athletic performance is a complexity influenced by genes and environment. Genes influence muscle buildup, which determines the strength and endurance required for athletics.
For instance, if parents are tall, there are high chances of the child being tall. Sports such as basketball are most suited for tall people, and the child will fit in without much struggle.
Hand-Eye Coordination
An athlete should be able to coordinate the movement of an item or opponent and be able to move at the same time. If you notice your child has excellent hand-eye coordination, it could indicate they are athletic. For instance, he should be able to see a ball and hit it fast enough without missing.
Fast Learners
Athletics requires one to be able to learn and make decisions quite fast and learn the rules, regulations, and skills of the game. A child who is a quick learner can become a good athlete if well nurtured.
Courage And Bravery
Athletic children tend to be courageous and brave. These traits help them become better athletes. Sports are for strong-willed persons, and children who show brevity at a young age could easily handle athletics.
Competitive
An athletic child tends to see everything as a competition. When playing with their colleagues, they will most likely initiate competitive games, like racing, biking, and football. They find it hard to play non-engaging games.
Leadership
Leadership is a vital skill in athletics. It could be inborn or learned. An athletic child stands out as a leader in their games. For example, when playing, this child will lay down rules and regulations, allocate players to each team, and may dictate punishment for offenders.
Sense Of Balance, EnduranceAnd Muscular Strength
If you notice a child has balance, muscular strength, and endurance, there are high chances of such a child being athletic. Sports such as rugby, basketball, and running require strong muscles and endurance to perform.
Resilience
An athlete must be a resilient and determined person who keeps on trying, even after losing. An athletic child does not easily give up on life; he may fail but arise and try again.
Environment
An environment might determine if a child is athletic. For instance, a child who lives in a warm area is more likely to participate in athletics than one in a colder place. This is because, in a warm environment, a child has room to practice and engage in outdoor activities more than one in cold areas. The former are also likely to interact with successful athletes who may mentor them in athletics. When a child has an athletic family, friends, and community, they are likely to become one too.
How To Nurture An Athletic Child
It is not enough to identify an athletic kid, but you should help them nurture their talents. You don’t have to be an athlete to nurture the child.
The tips below could help you in this;
Motivation
Encourage athletic children to pursue their talent and others may not be confident or sure of their ability, but with little motivation, they can hone their skills. If a child is not ready or interested in athletics, avoid forcing them into it, no matter how talented they seem. Encourage them to engage in other games too.
Training
You could consider enrolling your child in a club that trains budding athletes. The training will mainly focus on building strength and endurance. If a child is unsure of what area they are best at, encourage them to try diverse sports. You may consider enlisting the help of a professional trainer who will be best suited to handle an athletic child.
Focus on Efforts
Avoid focusing on the outcome but rather on the efforts. The child may not master the prerequisite skills as fast as you would wish them to, but there is a need to appreciate their efforts. Some skills are easier to learn than others. Be patient as he learns and be their lead cheerleader.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in the success of an athletic child. Focus on a balanced diet filled with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water.
Avoid junk and unhealthy choices of food that could cause the child to have an unhealthy weight. Unhealthy foods cause fatigue and lethargy and are not suitable for athletic performance.
Let The Child Be
As much as this child has shown signs of athletic performance, he is young and needs time to study, play, explore, make new friends, and enjoy their childhood. Avoid putting too much emphasis on athletics at the expense of other childhood activities. Allow him to be a child.
Be Actively Involved
You may not be athletic, but try to be actively involved. Watch the child play, attend competitions where they are participating, and watch others compete to motivate your child.
Between the ages of six to nine, a child starts to show signs of athletic performance. Genetic orientation and environmental factors influence a child’s athletic ability, which can be nurtured to help the child become a pro in his area of specialization. The tips highlighted above could help you determine whether a child is athletic and assist you in nurturing them.
