Kids and sport: Expert insights on insurance, health benefits and more
Want to get your kids involved in sport? Find out from the experts some of the ways it can help their development.
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Sport is a great way to help kids develop life skills both on and off the field. So we spoke to some experts to find out what parents need to know before signing their kids up for a team.
Breaking down the benefits
When it comes to kids playing sports, physical health tends to get a lot of the focus.
Not without good reason, either. There is some evidence to suggest that forming good exercise habits earlier in life can lead to better exercise habits – and in turn, health – throughout the course of your life.
"Playing sports and being active is a really important part of a healthy lifestyle," says Sofia Lemaitre, head of insurance at Flip Insurance. "It's great for kids who are looking to develop new skills and get active."
But there are other benefits that shouldn't be overlooked, either. Deirdre Brandner, child psychologist and author, points out that kid's sports can also contribute to developing better mental health, social skills and cooperative skills.
"Research tells us that consistent participation in sports from childhood is associated with better mental wellbeing amongst adolescents," says Brandner.
"Team sports help kids learn to interact with others. They learn to co-operate, problem-solve – and at times manage frustration."
Sarah Megginson, head of editorial at Finder, shares similar sentiments.
"Sports – especially team sports – are so enriching for kids," says Megginson. "My 8-year-old son is in his second year of playing soccer. We've been watching the kids learn and grow around things like passing to each other, instead of holding onto the ball for themselves. They learn to put bigger broader goals ahead of their own fun, which is an important life lesson."
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Read more…Off the field
The benefits of sport don't need to be limited to the field or the playground, either. Research from the University of Sydney suggests ongoing participation in sports is linked to a range of benefits for kids.
So playing sport regularly isn't just about physical fitness; it's a way for kids to improve their academic performance, too.
Sport can also provide kids with structure and a safe environment to learn new skills and make new friends.
"Sport can offer structure and reliability, which can be of great benefit to those struggling with friendships," says Brandner.
Plus, it helps children meet people outside their usual social circles.
"They're involved in a different aspect of the community where they're meeting new and different people to those they usually see through school," says Megginson.
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Read more…Keeping kids safe during sport
Of course, a key part of looking after kids long-term is also ensuring they've got a safe environment to play in.
This includes making sure they warm up before practice and games, spending time with them to develop their skills and ensuring they're wearing safety equipment.
Keeping your kids safe can extend to accidental injury insurance too.
"Playing sports and being active is a really important part of a healthy lifestyle," says Lemaitre. "Statistically though, injuries are common – and that can mean extra cost to you, beyond Medicare and health insurance."
Lemaitre points to a broken leg as an example.
"Let's say your child has an accident while playing sport, then goes to the emergency room and discovers they've broken their leg. The child is x-rayed and sent home with a cast."
Medicare and private health insurance will likely take care of these costs – or at least most of them.
"But then you've other associated costs and inconveniences to cover," says Lemaitre. "Your child might not be able to take the bus to school or they may need additional equipment. You might even need to take time off work to ensure your child is properly looked after."
So in practical terms, Lematire explains, products like Flip Kids aren't just about looking after the kids – they're also about helping look after the parents too.
Learn more about how Flip Insurance can benefit your kids this sports season
Sponsored by Flip Insurance. When you're planning your next adventure, why not get cover with Flip? With on-demand accidental injury coverage, no-lock-in contracts and easy claims, it helps you get prepared for whatever life throws your way.*
