|

Expert Iconexpert advice MORE

Please read our General and Medical Disclaimers

Getting into Sports

Elementary School Expert Advice from Barbara Potts

Q: My seven-year-old daughter doesn't want to try any type of sport or game. She says she doesn't want people to watch her. I believe that she's afraid she won't be good at it and is afraid of being embarrassed by losing or not being the best. Is this a self-esteem issue?

A: You have put a lot of thought into what is going on with your daughter, and it sounds like you are on the right track. Your daughter may be comfortable in trying individual sports with you. Perhaps you could teach her to play tennis (or take lessons together) or shoot baskets with you. The individual sport would take away the pressure of appearance in front of teammates, and you would be a non-threatening playmate.

Soccer is a great group sports activity for children your daughter's age. Not a lot of skill is required at that level, and all of the children enjoy running after the ball and trying to kick it.

There may be other groups which are not sports-related in which you could involve your daughter. Joining a Brownie troop or a church group may allow your daughter to become more comfortable in a group setting. She could gradually move into sports and game activities as her comfort level increases.

More on: Expert Advice

Barbara Potts has worked as an elementary school counselor for many years. She has a BA in psychology from Wake Forest University, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.


you might also like:

from our community:

Please note: This "Expert Advice" area of FamilyEducation.com should be used for general information purposes only. Advice given here is not intended to provide a basis for action in particular circumstances without consideration by a competent professional. Before using this Expert Advice area, please review our General and Medical Disclaimers.

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
  3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Top 10 End-of-Year Teacher Gifts
School is in the final stretch! Find unique and sweet teacher appreciation gifts to help say thanks and farewell to your favorite educator at the end of the school year.

10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings Decoded
Sweet, salty, sour, spicy — cravings during pregnancy can run the gamut. Read on to find out what foods pregnant women crave the most and why.

Safest Sunscreens for Kids
Wondering what the best sunscreens are to use on your child? Check out these natural sunscreens for kids. They're chemical-free and will keep your child safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Are Your Kids Sick of Sandwiches for Lunch?
By this point in the school year, your kids are probably tired of the same old sandwiches. Find some new and different school lunch ideas that will help fuel your child through June.