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Back-to-school is the best time for children to be introduced to different sports and other fitness activities. It is important for children to become engaged in different forms of athletics at an early age to develop a long-term active lifestyle and they also learn to work as part of a team and socialize with other children.

More important than getting involved in fitness and athletic activities, is to assure your child’s safety while enjoying the sports that they are engaged in, which means parents need to become familiar with the safety tips for their kids to prevent injuries.

1. Kids should undergo sport-specific stretching and warm up exercises for them to be prepared to play the sports that they like.
2. Make sure you have the appropriate gear or equipment required for the sport they are interested in. A word of precaution: not all sports gear is created equal, so be sure to consult with an expert on the best protective gear for your child. This will help assure their safety every time they play.
3. Getting some rest should be a priority. Yes, you want your kids to be active, but you don’t want them to burn out or get hurt. In order to avoid injuries, make sure your child gets some time to rest in between activities, especially if they complain of feeling tired. Sports activities become more meaningful for kids who enjoy what they are doing and don’t feel burnout.
4. Proper hydration is especially important. Kids should have 1-2 cups of water before they even get to the game/practice (more if it’s a hot day!), and they should be constantly drinking throughout the game. Most kids need at least ½ – 1 cups of water for every 15-20 minutes during exercise. Plain water is usually all you need to keep kids adequately hydrated.
5. Lastly, this is more of a parenting tip than a safety tip but parents need to be supportive. The best way to make your child become interested in playing sports is to become involved and encourage them. Make them aware of the benefits of playing sports and staying active.

Back-to-school time becomes more meaningful when kids learn to include sports while they are studying. This is the most effective way for them to get an early start on managing school and extra curricular activities. Children who are engaged in different sports perform better academically, than those who are not. Athletics are required for kids to become even more productive and enjoy the real essence of sports, team building and an overall healthy lifestyle. Just make sure they are playing it safe.

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