If a child doesn't want to do something or doesn't seem ready, it's best not to push too hard. Just because the child next door can ride his two-wheeler at age 5 doesn't mean your child should be able to do it, too. Children develop skills at different ages. Try not to draw too many comparisons between your child and other children. As long as she is developmentally on target, let her master skills at her own pace.
Some children shy away from sports because they're afraid of failure or easily frustrated.
Again, you must look to your child for cues and you should provide encouragement, but never force an activity on an unwilling child. The Nemours Foundation is a nonprofit organization devoted to children's health and is the largest physician practice delivering subspecialty pediatric care in the United States. Inc. All rights reserved. KidsHealth and KidsHealth.org are Service Marks of The Nemours Foundation. All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only.