Activities for 5 year old boys: The 4-6 Year Olds Must Do List

Activities for 5 Year Olds Kids Activities Blog

ByRachel
Updated onSeptember 28, 2019

Five year olds are adding head knowledge to the wonder they have of the world around them.   I love watching my kindergarteners play pretend, soak up learning through games, and create through arts and crafts.   Here are some of my kids favorite activities when they were/are five.

A play tent is super easy to make!   We made this one out of PVC pipes and old sheets.   It is great for pretend play.

Have a favorite game?   These boys did, and they re-enacted Angry Birds.   Pick your kids favorite book of wii game and try to replicate it through play.

Dress-up clothes help put our kiddos “in character” with the personality they are acting out.   Bloesem Kids had fun creating a variety of paper glasses for her kids to play pretend with.

Every princess enjoys having tea parties… and every cowboy loves decorating his own cupcakes.   Love these photos from Pretties and Posies.

“Don’t touch the laser beams!”   Those were instructions given at a Super Spy Party.   The kids had a blast avoiding the beams.

.

To help my kindergartener with her sight words we love throwing a beach ball around.   She has to tell me the words on the color she catches.

Vanessa of Pre-K Pages made math fun with a flyswatter.   The students had to “swat” the right answer.

Trying to teach your kids how to create sentences?   Or chunking words?   I love these DIY word blocks.

Looking for learning apps?   If your 5 year old is like mine, the ipad or phone can entertain them for hours.   Here is a collection of best learning apps for kids.

Science experiments in a box.   Here is a collection of simple science experiments.   Sure to enthrall a kiddo.

.

My kids love to create.   We made wall letters out of foam board with lots of textures.

This mom re-purposed old toys into works of art.   They primed them and painted them.   How fun!

My five year olds love to interact with each other.   Lissy Bug had a great idea – play pass the drawings.   Have each child contribute to the work, then when the timer dings, switch to the next person.

Make a community work of art with a collection of frames.   A Bird and a Bean used painters tape to create a silhouette for her kids work.

Who said that art has to last?   Tinkerlab gives us instructions on how to make an easy DIY light table.   Her kids had fun creating and re-creating in salt.
.

Like this post but are looking for activities for other age groups of kids?
Check out our other age sets:

Activities for One Year Olds

Activities for Two Year Olds

Activities for Three Year Olds

Activities for Four Year Olds

Activities for Five Year Olds

Rachel

Rachel is the founder of the blog, One Crazy House.  She is the co-author of 101 Kids Activities that are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! and The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments.  She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and six children.

50+ Play Ideas and Kid Activities at Home

Looking for fun activities for kids at home with your toddler and preschooler? I’ve been there. I, too, use a quick list of kids’ creative activities at home to keep in my back pocket. Years ago, I felt the need to get my children playing more and wasn’t exactly sure how to get there. 

I felt overwhelmed by the task of minimizing stimulation and encouraging my kids to be more creative at home. I needed to find solutions. And I did. These 50+ kid activities at home are just a sampling of all the ways we invite play into our every day, and it has been life-changing.

RELATED: These activity cards help make finding ideas so simple! Learn more here with our Startup Guide.

What Kid Activities Do Children Enjoy?

Kids enjoy activities that encourage open-ended play when the object doesn’t have one specific purpose. For example, a puzzle has an end goal. The child starts it knowing how it is supposed to finish. Although close-ended toys have their place, open-ended ones are great for one-year-olds because they provide endless imagination, creativity, and problem-solving opportunities.

I researched, dug into my teacher’s brain, and looked for the best toys for kids that encourage open-ended play. We use these toys in our kids- creative activities at home to keep our days afloat.

RELATED: Curious about the best toy storage solutions for kids- creative activities at home? You can find all of your storage solutions here.

Why is Playing at Home Important?

As parents, we know that play is important, and we want kids- creative activities at home. We have also learned that play is the foundation of all learning. Yet, here’s the thing about kids at home…

Sometimes, toddlers and preschoolers need a small seed planted to get them going, which will not be produced from a worksheet. The sources I am talking about are play ideas that encourage children to touch, move, and manipulate objects to create.

The more we encourage kids- creative activities at home, the more children will become exceptional at self-guided play, problem-solving, and forming conclusions on how things work.

RELATED: Want free kids’ creative activities at home? You’ll love this list!

Different Ages for Play

Before we dive into the best kids- creative activities at home, allow me to set the stage and will enable you to understand the importance of play better:

• In the infant/toddler stage – the child needs physical experiences using senses, experiencing substances, and discovering how things fit together. 
• Preschool age – the child will begin to add social play into the learning they have had the chance to dive into. Now they are making connections with their peers.  
• Middle years – the child is more analytical with textbook concepts because they had a chance to touch, move and explore what they are now reading about. The middle schooler is now ready to take learning to the next level, more easily pulling it together.
• Teenage years – the child can show how things come together. The child has touched, worked with peers, read more about fundamental concepts, and is now ready to become the producer.  

The following at-home ideas will allow your preschooler to hit the ground running. These kids- creative activities at home are as good as that savory cheese dip. They are tried and true, toddler and preschooler approved!

RELATED: Have a toddler? Be sure to check out 40+ Top Play Ideas for Toddlers.

When we first began sensory kids- creative activities at home, I quickly realized it wasn’t working. Beans were sprouting from our deck cracks, and rice had been under the fridge for months. And we certainly don’t want that for you!

Instead, I am happy to be your guinea pig and guide you to success. I put together this Introduction to Sensory Play page to help you get set up like a boss. I want you to list what to put inside a toddler sensory bin.

Inside this post, you will learn how to set up your buffer zone, prompt your toddler back to the sensory bin when they walk off with oats in hand, and better understand when it is time to put the sensory bin away. – This is a sure way to begin fun at-home kid activities.

Okay! Now that the training is over, let’s keep the momentum going with our preschoolers at home. Ready to try sensory play in your house? You’ll adore these easy-to-put-together sensory kids- creative activities at home ideas.

• Cloud Dough – whip up some cloud dough and construction toys for a fun play scene.
• Color Mix – A play on ketchup and mustard, just with paint!
• Color Squirt – the fun way to repurpose shredded bills.
• Cut the Play Dough – Have a child that enjoys play dough? Grab the blunt-edge scissors for some cutting practice. 
• Dry Noodle Sensory Play – a simple way to color noodles.
• Fill the Lines – this one kind of looks like sweets! See if your child can scoop pom poms into plastic bottles up to the different measuring lines.
• Glue the Noodles – An effortless way to practice gluing skills through sensory play.
• Kinetic Sand – grab some kinetic sand and put it in a sensory bin for hours of fun.
• Ice Rescue Game – add ice to anything to win Christmas kid activities at home. Freeze plastic toys in ice and watch your child experiment with water to release them.
• Ice Skating Bears – a wintery way to bring sensory play inside. 
• Nature Sensory Hunt – Use contact paper to collect and chat about nature. A fun way to spend some time outside with minimal prep. 
• Sand Sensory Play – pop sand in a sensory bin and add scoops, jugs, and anything else lying around.
• Scissor Sensory Cut – chuck some cooked spaghetti in a sensory bin and watch them cut away.
• Water Beads – see our favorite brand of water beads here.

Water kid activities are one of my very first WHOA. I just got 40 minutes of parenting from the sideline realizations. I ensured the water level was low and watched them closely as they poured and scooped. Water games are a genius way to catch a break at home. But before you dive in, I want you to know my best tip.

My boys are allowed ONE refill. They know this from practice. Need more water? Sure. One time. Once it is gone, it is gone. These quick tips will avoid numerous trips to the sink, and your child will better understand how to assess play so it doesn’t all go to waste.

Now you are ready! Dive into water kids- creative activities at home that can be played indoors or in the backyard for endless fun.

RELATED: Head outside with these outdoor toys for kids.

Having a one-year-old can be tricky! I get it. They are too old to sleep all day yet too young to emerge in self-guided play for extended amounts of time. We may notice our one-year-old exploring a color-matching game and then quickly becoming distracted by wanting a snack again.

With all this said, I firmly believe that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers should explore the environment and different textures. You do not have to buy out Amazon for 12 months. So how can we use our environment to encourage baby play as we catch our breath?
I searched the internet, so you don’t have to.

RELATED: Here is a list of the best toys for one-year-olds.

Days with Grey participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Let’s give it up for the independent play school ideas that allow us to drink our morning coffee. As we get our preschoolers thinking about important concepts, they will explore them throughout their lifetime. Since we all understand that playing is learning, let’s plant seeds and watch our children dive in.

I call these play school kids- creative activities at home Breakfast Invitations.

Simply put, these play invitations:

• Are a quick and easy setup – think under 5 minutes.
• Engage play to create a powerful morning routine – so you can have a relaxing morning.
• Use supplies – items like markers, painter’s tape, etc. Find everything in our supply list here.
• Align with lifelong learning skills – giving your little one the best start in life.

Craving a calmer morning?

Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games to begin the day with play.

Messy Play Kids- Creative Activities at Home Kid

Eek! I see you looking at this image and shrieking in fear, so I am here to give you a quick messy play tip. Right now, go fill up your washing machine with water and detergent. Get it ready to toss the clothes in once your preschooler is done exploring.

I assure you, it’s as simple as that. – Get messy, strip them down, and toss the messy play clothes in the wash.

Why is Messy Play  Important at Home?

Messy play kids- creative activities at home encourage children to explore substances. These are the same substances that will be what they will revisit in grade school. If you encourage children to touch and feel now, they will make dynamic discoveries as they connect the dots later. You will help spark connections such as:

‘I know this! I remember when I poured the liquid into the tall, narrow squirt bottle that it overflowed faster than the large pitcher.

Try these messy play kids- creative activities at home:

• Color Mixing; A Play on Ketchup & Mustard – add red and yellow paint to squeeze paint bottles and let them go wild!
• Color Mixing Shredded Paper Bin – adding paint to shredded paper couldn’t make an easier messy activity. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse your recycling!
• Decorate the Cake – Use shaving cream or an alternative taste-safe whip cream to make your own cake using a box. 
• Eyeball Shaving Cream Play – kids love shaving cream. Add some spooky eyeballs so they can play away.
• Eyeball Soup  – popping some fake eyeballs in water and seeing if your tiny terrors can scoop them out make great Halloween activities for kids at home.
• Hidden Hearts Cloud Dough – sometimes cloud dough gets outside the bin. Play with cloud dough in a space that can quickly sweep away the mess. 
• Muddy Water Messy Play – grab a few items from the kitchen for water play with nature.
• Neon Squirt – they’ve done normal paints, but what about neon?! Try them out; it’s amazing.
• Shaving Cream Car Tracks – cars and shaving cream is great for exploring textures and patterns.
• Shaving Cream Duplos – what happens when you mix Duplos with shaving cream? Messy play comes to life, and the kids need a hose down. -pure joy.
• Shaving Cream Foam Block Sensory Play – Are kids tired of using blocks? Add some shaving cream and see what they come up with!
• Squirt the Ice – paint on ice shards makes a fun and colorful science experiment.
• Sweet and Tasty Edible Bin – kids need to taste and touch, so add something to your sensory bin to get them started.

RELATED: Read what healthykids.org shares about how play helps kids thrive.

Outdoor Kids- Creative Activities at Home

As adults, we know when we need a restart, it is helpful to walk outside, breathe in the fresh air and get some sunshine. Being outdoors stimulates the senses and wakes up the brain. These outdoor ideas make great summer activities for kids at home.

Check out these ways to play with kids- creative activities at home – outside edition!

• Backyard Hunt and Sort – hide a collection of items in the yard and see if your kids can seek and sort them.  
• DIY Movement Dice – grab an empty tissue box, cover it in paper and draw colored dots on each side with an activity. For example, red means jump!
• Fall Leaf Painting – keep the drops of paint outside with this large mural of fall. 
• How Balance Can Improve Reading – check out why balancing helps your little ones literacy skills, then pull out some balancing activities. 
• How to Paint with Kids Outside – painting with kids can be…tricky! Learn a fuss-free way to paint with them outside.
• Musical Scavenger Hunt – put that sidewalk chalk to good use with this musical color-sorting game. 
• Nature Mural – easy as it looks. Collect nature and add it to a large piece of wood to make a nature mural. 
• Outdoor Sensory Supplies – in need of some supplies? Check out my recommended outdoor sensory supplies.
• Paint the Rocks – have a child that loves to collect rocks? Try painting them! 
• Practice Prewriting with Movement – draw some dots outside with chalk, then connect them to make spirals, curves, and lines. Ask your toddler to follow the lines to get comfortable with the shapes.
• Pumpkin Balance – nothing beats a relay race. Grab the mini pumpkins and try to get to the other side.
• Stick Painting – Gather some sticks and paint them to combine nature with fine motor skills.
• 51+ Things to Do for Spring – you’ll love this great list of sensory, crafts, and field trip ideas for Spring.

RELATED: Read what the NAEYC says about why outside play is important for the whole child.

Kids – Creative Activities at Home Are a MUST for Little Learners

I hope you find some fantastic activities from these lists to start your kids- creative activities at home!

How are cognitive development and sensory play helping our babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Be sure to read this from Michigan State University.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good play ideas?

Play ideas are best when they are grounded in your child’s interest. Sensory play helps children explore the frustrations and emotions of the day through movement. Sensory play outside can include balancing, running, tossing a ball, or riding a bike. Sensory play indoors may consist of playing in the bathtub with a favorite toy, introducing a sensory bin, or play dough.

What are messy play activities?

Messy play activities are activities that children may need to wash off when finished playing. Our favorite messy play activities are playing in the mud and using shaving cream. Set up messy play outside near a hose and wear older clothing.

Kinds of sports for children – what kind of sport to give the child to

Every year new sports sections are opened in Russia, where numerous kinds of sports for children are presented and this is no coincidence. According to statistics, every fourth child in our country by the age of 10 tends to develop chronic diseases against the backdrop of an unhealthy lifestyle.

To avoid diseases such as obesity, diabetes and spinal diseases, doctors recommend involving children in sports from an early age. It can be family trips, active games, field trips or regular visits to sports sections.

What kind of sport to send the child to

Thinking about what sport to send the child to, few parents are aware that this choice should take into account not only the age of the baby, but also his individual characteristics. Often, having given a child to a sports section, parents later regret their choice, because the child simply refuses to study and does not want to attend a sports club.

To prevent this from happening, you need to choose a sport for a child in accordance with the temperament of the baby:

• Sanguine. These kids love to be leaders. They need praise and victory. Such children are best suited for active sports. Any speed-strength disciplines can be an excellent choice;
• Cholerics. These kids are emotional and also ready to work in a team. They will be comfortable with cyclic sports or martial arts;
• Phlegmatic. Toddlers with this character do an excellent job with multiple repetitions of one action. This means that the best choice for them will be cyclic or complex-coordinating disciplines;
• Melancholy. For them, the severity of the coach and Spartan conditions are unacceptable. With the right approach, such kids can show success in fencing or shooting. Intellectual pursuits can also be an excellent choice for them.

To determine which section is right for your child, you can take a specialized test. Testing will help determine goals and objectives, find out what character the baby has and choose for him exactly the circle in which he will feel comfortable.

Important! Before enrolling in a section, you need to get advice from the local pediatrician. Some disciplines have absolute contraindications. In addition, you will have to pass tests and undergo examinations by narrow specialists.

Sports for preschoolers

Sports for young children are activities that develop basic physical skills and strengthen the immune system. Don’t expect a two-year-old to become a champion right away.

Sports for preschool children are necessary for the overall development and preparation of the child for more serious activities. Doctors consider 4-5 years old to be the ideal age to start classes. But if the baby is active and healthy, classes in certain disciplines can be started as early as two years old.

Most parents believe that at this age it is too early to attend sports sections, and the only option for physical training is swimming in the pool. But this is absolutely not true. Today, many circles invite kids of very young age, where specially trained trainers work with them.

Sports for children from 2 years old

From the age of two, babies need more physical activity. They run, jump, somersault and fall everywhere. And so that their pranks do not turn into serious injuries, parents should think about structured physical activity.

Adequate physical activity at this age – classes at least 2 times a week for 30 minutes. With age, the number of hours of classes gradually increases and by the age of 5 it can be 2 hours 3 times a week.

Training for the little ones is not full-fledged training with competitions and victories. At this time, training is based on the principle of the game. The kid will run, jump, have fun, learn the simplest exercises and perform elementary tasks.

Ideal sports for children aged 2+:

• Swimming;
• Dancing;
• Gymnastics;
• balance bike;
• Children’s yoga;
• Trampolining.

At this age, it is still very difficult for a baby to remain without a mother or father, so it is absolutely impossible to leave him alone among people he does not know, you will have to work with him. Moreover, you will have to perform all the exercises with the baby, because he will repeat exactly for you.

At the age of 3-4, the baby can already perform more complex exercises and understand the requirements of the trainer. It is this age that is considered optimal for starting classes.

The following sections are already available at this time:

• Skis;
• Martial arts;
• Tennis or table tennis;
• Golf;
• Roller skates;
• Figure skating.

If you are afraid to send your baby to these sections at such a young age, pay attention to developing centers with a sports bias. In such centers, general developmental classes include physical education lessons, where trainers teach the smallest physical exercises in a playful way.

Reference: From the age of two, babies experience an active leap in growth and development. Optimal loads will help to properly form muscle mass and the musculoskeletal system, which will further protect them from health problems.

What kind of sport to give a child 5 – 6 years old

Children who have reached the age of five are already absolutely ready for classes in the sports section. This is exactly the age when a young athlete begins to understand the meaning of a team game, adequately perceive criticism from the coach and fulfill his requirements.

If you are wondering what kind of sport to give your child 5-6 years old, team sports can be an excellent choice, these include:

• Football;
• Hockey;
• Water polo;
• Golf;
• Rugby;
• Tennis;
• Volleyball;
• Basketball;
• Badminton;
• Handball etc.

At preschool age, training should be moderate. A growing body can react negatively to increased stress, and then instead of benefiting, classes will only bring health problems. If, while watching a preschooler, you notice that he began to sleep poorly, is often naughty and gets tired quickly, talk to the trainer about reducing the load or change the section.

Reference: According to statistics, children who study in sections from the age of 5 have strong immunity, are more diligent in the classroom, are disciplined and learn the school curriculum better in the lower grades. In high school, they also excel academically and are less likely to be influenced by bad company.

Sports for children of school age

School age is the time to learn about sports. In many schools, sections are open where children can study with classmates. Also for children there are circles in the homes of schoolchildren, where classes are held completely free of charge. In addition, students can go to the section from specialized sports schools, where they prepare for admission to sports boarding schools.

The choice of sports for school children is really great. Already in the first grade, children can practice at a professional level, preparing for a sports career. Thanks to the national program “Sport is the norm of life”, dozens of sports facilities are planned to be built throughout the country to attract schoolchildren to a healthy lifestyle until 2024.

Sports for children aged 7-10

Primary school is a period of serious restructuring in the rhythm of life. Often, children in the first years of schooling suffer from overwork and distracted attention. These problems can be easily solved with physical activity. Regular classes increase endurance and performance, contribute to the assimilation of the curriculum and help the student to develop comprehensively.

Sports for children 7-10 years old – these are almost all sections, with the exception of extreme ones with a high risk of injury. The choice of a section depends on many factors, but the main thing here should be the desire of the child himself, because at this age he can already choose what he likes.

Remarkably, modern children often choose sections that are completely incomprehensible to their parents. For example, girls might decide to go into boxing and boys into weightlifting. But parents do not need to be afraid of such a choice, because history knows many champions who went to the section against the wishes of their parents.

The best choice at this age will be team sports, because the student already understands what a team is and can fully participate in the life of the team.

The most popular clubs at this age:

• For girls – gymnastics, dancing, athletics, figure skating, synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, etc.;
• For boys – football, tennis, basketball, martial arts, hockey, weightlifting, pentathlon, etc.

Whatever sport your child chooses, you should not expect great victories and achievements at this age. At the age of 7-10, children only learn to work in a team and learn the basics of sports discipline. At this stage, it is important that the child likes the classes, and he goes to the section with pleasure.

It is important for parents to understand that a young athlete can change their mind at any time and decide to pursue another discipline. In this case, it is not necessary to force him to attend the section, it is necessary to support him and show that he has the right to independently decide what kind of sport he should do. If your child has a hard time exercising, consider mind sports such as chess, checkers, or go.

Important! At this age, it is necessary to choose not so much a section as a coach. Only a qualified and experienced children’s coach will be able not only to interest the student, but also to ensure the correct individual training schedule.

Sports for children aged 11-13

From the age of 11, today’s children already consider themselves adults. Many of them choose street sports as their hobby, where they can show their talents.

Outdoor sports for children aged 11-13, these are:

• Breaking;
• Parkour;
• Skateboarding;
• BMX.

In addition, teenagers often choose diving, skydiving, rock climbing, kitesurfing and so on. If your child is already engaged in the sports section, but at this age he decided to change his occupation, do not interfere with him, because modern sports are a great opportunity to learn something new and realize himself, which means that he will be engaged with enthusiasm and pleasure.

Considering unusual sports, you can also offer a teenager such sections as gorodki, lapta or food running, which originated more than 200 years ago and are now gaining their popularity again in Russia.

Parents should know that it is at the age of 11-13 that coaches look at young athletes and choose the most promising ones to attract them to professional sports.

If you have been offered a transfer to a sports school, you need to weigh the pros and cons, because a sports career is often accompanied by injuries and numerous restrictions. But if you see that a teenager wants and can be a professional in his sport, feel free to trust the coach, because in a few years your child may well become an Olympic champion.

Important! When enrolling a teenager in a sports school or a section for professional activities, you must take out sports insurance. Insurance will allow you to receive compensation for injuries in training and competitions. Also, without a policy, athletes are not allowed to compete.

Sport in Russia, as well as a healthy lifestyle in general, is becoming fashionable. More than 80% of Russians under the age of 30 regularly visit gyms and playgrounds, go on outdoor activities and teach children to play sports. Thanks to state support, sports for children are numerous, varied, and most importantly accessible.

One of the priority tasks of the federal project “Sport is the norm of life” is the preparation of a sports reserve, which means that every child involved in sports will be able to practice at the best sports facilities that are already being built throughout the country.

Which section to send the boy to: the best sports for future champions

Many factors influence the health of a child. It is important and proper nutrition, and thoughtful daily routine, and regular walks in the fresh air. One of the most important components can be called physical activity, movement and sports. The choice of sport must be approached responsibly so that the child receives the maximum benefit. Which section to send the boy to, how not to make a mistake and make the right decision? Let’s analyze this question in more detail.

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Content:

• Choosing a sports section: what to consider
  • Body type of a boy
  • Temperament
• What changes await the child
• Which section to send the boy to
  • Figure skating
  • Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Hockey
  • Oriental martial arts
  • Dancing
  • Kickboxing
  • Capoeira
  • Acrobatics
  • Equestrian
• Advice for parents of boys

Choosing a sports section: what to consider

Parents often choose activities for their child based on cost and proximity to home. This is the wrong approach. To achieve a good result, it is necessary to take into account the type of physique of the boy, his interests and desires, features of character and temperament, his health. It would be nice to ask for advice from a pediatrician who will talk about possible contraindications.

Physique of a boy

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

In medicine, the Stefko and Ostrovsky scheme is used to describe the main types of body structure. For each of them, you can choose the best sport.

Asthenoid type

Children belonging to it are thin, their muscles are poorly developed. Such a child has a narrow chest and shoulder girdle, thin and long legs. Often you can notice a pronounced stoop, and the shoulder blades protrude outward. The main criterion for such children is psychological comfort, so it is important to pay attention to the selection of a suitable team. Of the sports, volleyball, skiing, fencing, gymnastics, cycling are perfect.

Thoracic type

The physique is harmonious, the shoulders and hips are of equal width, the muscles are of average development, the chest is wide. Such boys are quite active, it will be useful for them to develop endurance, and from sports those where speed is important are suitable. Football, figure skating, capoeira, karting, kayaking – all this will bring maximum benefit.

Muscular type

It is characterized by a wide bone and developed muscles. Children of this type are hardy and distinguished by physical strength. They will show themselves well in wrestling, hockey, mountaineering. Suitable for weightlifting, powerlifting.

Digestive type

Guys of this body type are usually short, have a fairly wide chest and fat deposits. They do not show much activity, are inactive and rather clumsy. For such boys, it is better to choose a shooting or martial arts section. A good choice would be hockey, weightlifting, workout.

Temperament

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Achieving success in sports depends not only on the physique, but also on the character of the child. When choosing classes, temperament must be taken into account. Four types are known:

1. Sanguine people are born leaders. They are fearless, like to take risks, so they must be given the opportunity to show their strength and superiority. Mountaineering, martial arts, rafting, hang gliding are suitable for this.
2. Cholerics are distinguished by increased emotionality. They worry not only for themselves, but also for their comrades, they are able to rejoice in someone else’s victory as their own. Therefore, it is ideal for such guys to select team sports.
3. Phlegmatic people are stubborn, persistent in achieving goals and calm. They endure repetitive actions in training without irritation, therefore they are able to achieve good results in chess, gymnastics, and figure skating.
4. Melancholic is characterized by sensitivity and vulnerability. They are easy to offend, and a strict coach can deprive such children of the desire to study. Such children can succeed in equestrian sports, shooting, dancing.

When choosing a sports section for a boy, also consider the distance from home and other safety parameters. In order not to worry about the child when he goes alone to his destination, and to be able to contact him at any moment, install the application “Where are my children” or buy a children’s smart watch for the athlete!

What changes await the child

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Sport is not only good for physical health. In addition to increasing endurance, increasing strength and other indicators, the boy’s personal qualities also change, which are influenced by various sports:

1. Martial arts help develop patience, learn restraint. The child will be able to choose the right tactics of behavior in different situations and learn to think logically. In addition, the reaction improves, self-confidence and flexibility appear.
2. Team games will teach you how to work together and help develop communication skills. They will be especially useful for a shy child who cannot easily find friends.
3. Creative sports , such as dance or rhythmic gymnastics, will influence the development of artistry, sharpen the sense of rhythm. The body of the child will become more flexible and plastic.
4. Winter sports activities will teach your child to reach their goal, despite the difficulties. They build character and form leadership qualities.

In addition to these qualities, the boy will become more disciplined, learn self-giving and concentration.

Which section to send the boy to

When deciding which section to send the child to, you need to start from his age and physiology. For example, strong loads on the musculoskeletal system for babies under 5 years old are unacceptable. For the first five years of life, a child’s bones are actively formed, and increased training will only harm them. But flexibility can be developed from an early age.

Which sports are preferable at what age:

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different sports. This information is necessary to make an informed decision.

Figure skating

This is a speed skating sport related to complex coordination sports.

Benefits:

1. Improves coordination of movements, develops an eye, flexibility appears.
2. The load is distributed over all muscle groups.
3. Immunity is strengthened, the child becomes more resilient and efficient.
4. Useful for cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Faults:

1. Potential for injury.
2. It’s hard to get to classes with a good coach.
3. Considerable financial costs are required.

Contraindications:

1. Flat feet.
2. Neurological problems.
3. Poor eyesight.
4. Diseases of the lungs.
5. Problems with the vestibular apparatus.

Tennis

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

This is a sport played against two players or two teams, each with two members. A tennis player using rackets sends the ball to the side of the opponent, his goal is to prevent the opponent from reflecting the ball on his playing field.

Benefits:

1. Positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
2. Coordination develops, reaction and endurance improve.
3. Low risk of injury.
4. The child learns to choose tactics and strategy.

Drawbacks:

1. Classes can be quite expensive.
2. If the load is distributed incorrectly, there is a risk of developing scoliosis.

Contraindications:

1. Peptic ulcer.
2. Vision problems.
3. Disorders in the work of the musculoskeletal system.

Swimming

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

A sport whose essence is to overcome different distances by swimming in the shortest time.

Benefits:

1. Immunity is strengthened.
2. Good rehabilitation for children who have undergone surgery or trauma.
3. Classes prevent spine diseases and colds.
4. Swimming is good for blood circulation.

Disadvantages:

1. Chlorinated water may cause allergic reactions and chronic rhinitis.
2. After the start of systematic studies, colds are likely.

Contraindications:

1. Exacerbation of any chronic disease.
2. Heart disease.
3. Viral diseases.
4. Skin diseases.
5. Kidney problems.
6. Convulsions.

Hockey

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Team sports played with sticks and a ball (or puck) on ice or grass.

Benefits:

1. A sense of balance appears, endurance and coordination are actively developed.
2. Significantly strengthens the immune system and the musculoskeletal system.
3. Positive effect on the nervous system.
4. Education of responsibility, ability to organize oneself, discipline.

Disadvantages:

1. High risk of injury.
2. Good equipment costs a lot of money.

Contraindications:

1. Vision problems.
2. Flat feet.
3. Asthma.
4. Various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Heart disease.

Martial arts

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

They are conditionally divided into three groups: Chinese, Japanese and Thai types of martial arts. Chinese martial arts are for the most part self-defense, and the main strategy is to use the opponent’s strength against himself. The most famous are wushu (kungfu), tui shou, sanda.

Japanese martial arts are characterized by the use of throwing techniques and force on the joints. The most famous: jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, aikido.

Thai boxing involves the use of powerful combat blows, so it is recommended to start practicing this sport no earlier than 12 years old.

Benefits:

1. Ability to protect yourself.
2. Active work on oneself, the ability to cope with fears and complexes.
3. Education of courage.
4. Harmonious physical development.

Disadvantages:

1. Success in mastering martial arts depends entirely on the coach, so it is very important and difficult to find a good mentor. It is necessary that the child does not become pugnacious, but learn the basics of Eastern philosophy, on which martial arts are based.
2. There is a small risk of injury.

Contraindications:

1. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
2. Vision problems.
3. Diseases of the kidneys.
4. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Dances

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

There are several types of dances: Latin American (rumba, samba, cha-cha-cha), European – classical dances (tango, waltzes and others), modern (RnB, Hip-Hop, Jazz).

Benefits:

1. Development of flexibility and agility, the body becomes more plastic.
2. Useful for motor coordination.
3. Good taste is formed.
4. Excellent prevention of colds.
5. Development of the respiratory system.

Disadvantages:

1. Large financial investment required.
2. There is a risk of injury.
3. There is a lot of competition in this sport, negative experiences are possible.
4. Dancing involves a strong load on the heart.

Contraindications:

1. Flat feet.
2. Problems of the cardiovascular system.
3. Vertebral hernias.

Kickboxing

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

This is a contact form of martial arts in which both punches and kicks are allowed.

Benefits:

1. Muscles develop actively.
2. The child gets rid of fears, complexes, stress and various negative emotions.
3. Positive influence on the development of coordination, reaction and posture.
4. Excellent power load.

Disadvantages:

1. High injury rate of competitions, especially in directions.
2. Undeveloped organizational issues (training programs are not well thought out and there are no clear rules for conducting fights).

Contraindications:

1. Any chronic disease in the acute stage.
2. Problems with joints or spine.

Capoeira

Photo source: commons. wikimedia.org. Author: bongo vongo

Brazilian national martial art, in which elements of dance, acrobatics, and games have found their place.

Benefits:

1. Muscles develop actively.
2. The child gets rid of fears, complexes, stress and various negative emotions.
3. Positive influence on the development of coordination, reaction and posture.
4. Excellent power load.

Disadvantages:

There is only one main disadvantage – it is not easy to find a good professional coach. This sport is not yet very popular, so there are few good mentors.

Contraindications:

1. Trauma.
2. Problems of the cardiovascular system.

Acrobatics

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

One of the types of gymnastics, which includes exercises for agility, flexibility, jumping, strength, and balance.

Benefits:

1. Acrobatics are good for using up excess energy.
2. Improves metabolism.
3. Positive influence on the child’s psyche and mental activity.
4. Uniform load on all muscle groups.

Weaknesses:

The main disadvantage is that it is easy to get injured. Most often these are sprains and various bruises.

Contraindications:

1. Epilepsy.
2. Problems with the heart and blood vessels.
3. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
4. Myopia.
5. Curvature of the spine.

Equestrian

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Involves competition, sports and exercise involving horseback riding.

Benefits:

1. Regular contact with an animal has a positive effect on the mental state.
2. Good relaxation.
3. Development of a sense of balance, muscles, coordination.

Disadvantages:

The only drawback is that such a sport is not always available. There may not be a stable nearby, and the classes themselves will require significant financial costs.

Contraindications:

1. Heart problems.
2. Risk of thrombosis.

Tips for parents of boys

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Sports have an invaluable impact not only on the body of the child, but also on his mental state. A powerful educational effect cannot be discounted, because leadership qualities, the ability to self-discipline, and responsibility are especially important for a boy.

The choice of a sports section should be influenced by the child’s hobbies, but the parents have the last word. It is necessary to pay attention to the development of the boy, his character.

You can start playing sports at an early age. Any physical activity is interesting for both kids and older children. An important point – you can not force the child. The task of parents is to stimulate the appearance of the boy’s interest.