Tweens need to stay active to stay in shape. Joining a sport helps with this goal. There are also additional benefits from playing. But the task of finding the right sport takes a bit of patience and time. It is often hard to determine what your tween is good at along with what will actually keep them engaged in the long run.
When they were little, you probably let them play a lot of different sports. You can do the same with your tween. It is perfectly fine for them to venture outside their comfort zone and try out different sports. They may discover that they have a hidden talent for the game. They may discover that it isn’t their “thing.” That’s okay though. Trying is a part of growing. When they find what they are good at, they and you will know it.
Another thing you can do for your tween is to invest in some lessons. Whether those are swimming lessons or tennis lessons, this will give your tween an idea that they can do something. In some ways, this can be a better try-it-out method than just throwing them into the game. Sure, it will cost you a little bit. But if you do some negotiation, you might get a discount, especially if you don’t know if your tween will decide to pursue it.
There will be some sports that your tween will never be good at. That’s normal as well. Sure, his dad might have been an awesome baseball player but your tween can barely catch the ball. Don’t despair if your tween’s sport isn’t baseball. As parents, you have to be open to discovering that your tween is instead this awesome soccer player or a long distance runner.
If your tween isn’t interested in sports, then it is likely due to the fact that they haven’t found the right one. Yes, their video game skills may be overdeveloped but they still need to use their muscles. If they don’t like team sports, individual sports may be the way to go. After all, there are plenty of individual things to try out such as running around a track or throwing a bowling ball down a lane of pins. You don’t even have to put them on a formal team. A backyard, a basketball court, the track at school or a grassy field will do as well.
The important part of sports is ensuring that tweens get exercise in addition to building their self-esteem about something they can do. Sure, in a few years they might change their mind. But for now, let them explore what they are physically good at.