There is so much attention out there on preventing and reversing childhood obesity, which is all a very good intention. There is nothing more important than making sure the next generation of kids grow up healthy and strong. Sports can be a great way to get kids the exercise they need and also teach them cooperation and discipline. With the playing of sports however, comes the risk of injury. Now, this should be no reason to keep your child off the field but rather a necessary file in the back of your mind. There are ways to help prevent injury to your child and still let them run wild out on their favorite field.

Kids can be more prone to injury than adults because they are still growing and developing. There also isn’t much division in childrens’ sports and children of the same age can be drastically different sizes. This can result in injury, especially in the more physical sports like football. Kids also tend to be a bit more risky than adults. They feel invincible and attempt moves a logical adult might opt against.

There are few simple steps that parents and other involved adults can take to ensure a child’s safety during sporting events. First, make sure there is adequate supervision during any sports gathering. This is important not just to ensure that the kids “play nicely” but for safety reasons as well. Adults supervising childrens’ sports games should be well trained in first aid and CPR. Second, make sure your child is well prepared for the sport they want to play. Make sure they know how to play the game and the basic rules of play. A great idea would be to practice one on one in the backyard before the first big practice. The next important step to take to ensure your child’s safety is to make sure they have the proper equipment. Helmets, protective eye-wear and any sort of appropriate padding can mean the difference between a healthy athlete and an injured child.

All of these simple steps can help your child stay safe and have fun and learn a new sport. So keep one eye trained on safety and let your kid run free, get some exercise and make some friends! In the end, it will all result in a happier, healthier generation of Americans.