Kids' Fitness Personalities
In addition to a child's age, it's important to consider his or her fitness personality.
Personality traits, genetics, and athletic ability combine to influence kids' attitudes
toward participation in sports and other physical activities, particularly as they
get older.
Which of these three types best describes your child?
1. The nonathlete: This child may lack athletic ability, interest
in physical activity, or both.
2. The casual athlete: This child is interested in being active
but isn't a star player and is at risk of getting discouraged in a competitive athletic
environment.
3. The athlete: This child has athletic ability, is committed
to a sport or activity, and likely to ramp up practice time and intensity of competition.
If you understand the concepts of temperament and fitness types, you'll be better
able to help your kids find the right activities and get enough exercise — and
find enjoyment in physical activity. Some kids want to pursue excellence in a sport,
while others may be perfectly happy and fit as casual participants.
The athlete, for instance, will want to be on the basketball team, while the casual
athlete may just enjoy shooting hoops at the playground or in the driveway. The nonathlete
is likely to need a parent's help and encouragement to get and stay physically active.
That's why it's important to encourage kids to remain active even through they aren't
top performers.
Whatever their fitness personality, all kids can be physically fit. A parent's
positive attitude will help a child who's reluctant to exercise.
Be active yourself and support your kids' interests. If you start this early enough,
they'll come to regard activity as a normal — and fun — part of your family's
everyday routine.