Fostering Independence Through Winter Sports for Your Teens

Whether your teen is more interested in group sports or individual disciplines, there is something to keep them active even during winter months. Unfortunately, we are all more attracted to indoor activities during cold days, so teens often skip exercise once the temperatures drop. That is why we prepared this quick guide that will help parents encourage their children to explore exciting winter sports by educating them on the variety of disciplines to try as well as the benefits of regular training. 

Winter Sports Your Teen Will Love

First, let’s look into some fun disciplines your teen might be interested in:

Hockey

Hockey is incredibly fun to watch, and luckily for you and your teens, it is even more fun to play. Since hockey is truly fast-paced and exciting, it is suitable for enthusiasts of all ages.  Since hockey is a team sport, engaging in it can be a great way to get competitive with friends and family as all of you gather on the rink. Take a moment to divide everyone into two teams, go over the basic rules of hockey, and then see which group has more success when it comes to scoring a goal. By doing so, you will provide everyone with an amazing workout, and you will all get a chance to communicate and bond because all team members must work together to beat the opponents. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are both excellent activities for teenagers, but before you let your kids do it, make sure they have all the right equipment that fits them perfectly well. Even if you have pieces of equipment the kids got from older siblings or cousins, don’t let your teens use items that are too big for them since they will make them struggle to stay in control of their movements. This is especially important for boots and bindings. Also, keep in mind that the ski boots that are made specifically for kids are more flexible than the ones designed for adults. Finally, don’t let your teen get started with skiing and snowboarding without a good helmet and protective goggles.

Sledding

Sliding down a hill at a high speed is a special kind of thrill for all teenagers, and a great suggestion for you to make, as long as everyone does it safely. So before you pick a sled that is going to be used, make sure it’s sturdy and easy to steer. Also, it should come with a padded seat and handholds that are easy to grab. By all means, avoid using homemade sleds such as plastic bags, garbage can lids, or other items that might cause injuries. When it comes to clothing, make sure your teenager wears mittens or gloves, as well as boots. Not only those will keep them warm, but they will also prevent hand and foot injuries in case of a nasty fall. Finally, always check the sledding area that the kids are planning to use. Stick to hills that are not too steep, and are covered with snow, not ice.

The Benefits of Engaging in Sports

Here are some of the most important benefits of engaging in sports regularly:

Improved Physical Health

Due to the increased use of video games and social media, childhood obesity is more present than ever, and serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes go hand in hand with it. On the opposite, sports help teenagers be physically active which raises metabolism, burns calories, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances mobility and strength. Also, active teens usually have better quality of sleep. 

Better Mental Health

Regular exercise keeps the levels of cortisol under control, and that is the hormone associated with stress. Additionally, it releases endorphins, which are commonly referred to as the “feel-good” hormones, and it increases serotonin – a chemical with an important role when it comes to mood. On top of that, playing an individual sport and being part of a team both create a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence and self-esteem. Finally, each session of physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety.

A Lesson in Important Life Skills

Being all on your own in an individual discipline or fighting for a common goal as part of a group teaches adolescents to strengthen their power of will, build teamwork, and effectively communicate with coaches or teammates. Furthermore, participation in all kinds of sports improves other life skills such as time management, goal-setting, and leadership. 

Encouraging your teens to engage in winter sports instead of staying inside during cold months is one of the best things you can do for their overall health. Whether they’re interested in hockey, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or any other discipline, being active all year round comes with important physical and mental benefits.