While most parents sign their kids up for athletic activities because they want their children to be active, there is also another reason to play sports. Scientific research has proven that athletic activities actually enhance a child’s brain activity. Exercise is known to have a long-lasting impact on a child’s brain while it is still developing. But how does exercising help the brain?

Sports have always been linked to a child’s brain development. The constant movement stimulates the brain activity and helps children focus better when it comes to school work. Research has been done to prove that if a child does about 30 minutes of aerobic activity before a test or quiz, they are more likely to receive a better grade than those who do not. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps deliver glucose and oxygen that the brain needs to increase mental focus. And in early child development, this process is crucial.  

Not only does exercise increase blood flow, it also helps create new brain cells called dentate gyrus. These specific brain cells help with improving memory and minimizing memory loss. Children who exercise at least once a day have experienced an improvement in their memory as well as increased levels of creativity. They are able to come up with new and innovative ways to perform problem solving or even create a new game.

Aside from the creative and mental results of daily activities, sports have been known to increase confidence, leadership, and teamwork. Children that begin participating in sports at a young age are more likely to continue it through high school and college. Kids that participate in sports are encouraged to socialize with their teammates and other players. Social interaction is key to helping them build their self-esteem and also promote cooperation with others. Through cooperation and teamwork, children learn how to set aside differences and work together to achieve a common goal. These small life skills are best taught young and will help them in their future endeavors.

All in all, physical activity is never a bad idea. But it becomes an even better one when you look at the positives. As a parent, your goal is to make sure your child is constantly learning and developing for the future, especially if your child is involved in physical activity. They are actively developing more and more. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.