Kids' organized sports: Not for everyone

As highlighted in a recent study, approximately 54 percent of young people aged six to 18 years participate in organized sports.

There are children who shy away from team sports for both physical and emotional reasons: Some kids don’t like rules and competition, others feel uncomfortable in large groups, and kids who are small for their age might feel they just can’t keep up with their peers. Most team sports have “winners” and “losers.”

Whatever the reason, there are many other ways kids can get exercise, and–just as important– have fun. Activities such as inline skating, bicycling, and martial arts are mainly non-competitive. Taking the dog for a walk, raking leaves, and jumping rope are also easy and fun ways for kids to keep active.