Do your children play sports? We know just how fun it can be for them and it helps them get their 60 minutes of exercise every week. However, many parents fear that sports can be dangerous and may lead to their children getting hurt. It’s estimated that 50% of people with sports-related injuries that require a trip to A&E are children, which shows that the danger is there and parents are right to fear injury to their kids.
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However, many of these injuries can be avoided with the right advice and equipment, so parents can feel more relaxed when watching their kids partake in their favourite sports. If you’re one of these mums or dads who are worried, then this is the guide for you.
We’ll discuss the best ways to keep your children safe when they play sports. This should help to keep injuries to a minimum and your anxiety levels should be lower when you’re watching them play.
Why is avoiding injury so important?
Injuries can be life-changing at such a young age, which is why they should be completely avoided if possible. Broken bones or muscle tears can stunt growth and head injuries can lead to brain damage that can last a lifetime. Injuries can also make your child fall out of love with the game they’re playing too, which can be hard on them and their mental health.
How can your children stay safe?
Training properly
Most sports teams will train at least once a week and this is the time for them to learn how to play the sport properly and safely. Sports like rugby require correct technique when tackling and without this knowledge, your child may risk getting injured. Training is also a time for them to work on their fitness levels, which can help to improve heart and lung functionality too.
Wear the correct equipment
Some sports require specific safety equipment to protect them from any threats within the game. Cricket is one of the most popular sports for children in the UK and there is a lot of equipment required before a child can step foot on the wicket with the main one being cricket helmets to prevent head injuries. Once they have the right equipment, make sure they know how to put it on properly to ensure it’s effective.
Diet and nutrition
Playing sports is a lot safer with correct nutrition and it can help with recovery after a game. Try to encourage them to eat vegetables, drink plenty of water and avoid junk food and they should be safer on the pitch.