Children at all ages are accident prone. They play to have fun, be with friends, and burn off energy. Assess physical abilities. Offer encouragement, not criticism. Let the child develop new skills at his or her own pace.
Egos become fragile.
Match sports to the child's physical and emotional development, not calendar age. Focus on the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle. Be sure that regular aerobic activities are included in the child's activities. These activities strengthen the heart and lungs. Examples include soccer, bike riding, rollerblading, swimming, running, and walking.