Sports can provide many positives for kids like physical health, improved self-esteem, discipline and social elements like teamwork. But the real benefits come from when a teen is enjoying what they do, as opposed to being forced or coerced into taking part in something.
Sport has different appeal to different people. Some may simply be born in a sports-fanatic city and get drawn in by culture, while others may have a natural-born talent for sprinting, football or cricket. But with sports usually comes its counterpart – betting.
Sports and Betting
Sports and betting have always been intertwined, and online bookmakers have made it even more accessible. Many adults place sports wagers at betting sites that take Revolut and other modern payments now conveniently available, usually with disposable, planned income.
Done responsibly, sports betting can be done without falling into any danger. But as children have not fully matured rational decision-making skills, they need to keep out of the picture at least until they are of legal age at 18.
Yet, it is something of an inevitability that sports betting will come onto a teen’s radar at some point. Talking to youngsters who are of age, about the risks of betting, can help them understand how it can be done safely, and even potentially take away some of the shine and allure of it. Positive talk can also help with encouraging the playing of sports.
Encouraging Sports
A great way to keep teens busy and away from betting is by occupying their lives with being active in sports. Numerous reports have stated that teen athletes tend to stay out of trouble, smoking and drugs more and tend to do better in school. Throw in the physical upsides and indicators, this is something to encourage.
Keep It Positive
Kids are going to make mistakes in the heat of the sporting moment, and any criticism levelled by parents can stress a relationship. Some underage children turn to gambling as an outlet for frustrations, so nurturing their mental well-being is vital.
It should be about watching them perform and letting them know that you are there for them no matter the result. Get involved by asking questions about how they felt they did to help build bonding. Celebrate their highs, empathise with their lows and applaud their efforts.
Change Is OK
Teens will have bad days when they want to quit. Pay attention when a teen is telling you that they aren’t enjoying the sport they are doing. They may need a break to rekindle motivation, or need to quit to go on a different sporting path altogether.
If peer pressure makes your child try for the local football club, when they’d rather be playing rugby, then be respectful and understand that a switch is important to them, and likely their mental well-being too.
The teen years are a period of exploration, let them test different sports to find what they really like. This all helps to keep them focused and can help keep the temptation of betting on the back burner.
Local Clubs
Some children don’t enjoy the high-intensity environment of a team and are better off with individual sports like distance running or tennis. For some, it may not even be competition and winning trophies, just friendly engagements with like-minded peers. Casual courses at a local sports centre could be a good outlet for them. Understand what fits best and how you can nurture motivation.
Expression of Self
Children develop valuable skills in sports, like decision-making, dealing with situations and enjoying their moments of feeling like they are on top of the world. Betting is out there and perhaps is something less to be feared and more to be understood as it’s likely to be explored at an appropriate age.
Not treating sports betting like a shady, taboo secret can positively lift the veil about it. Until that point, make sports as engaging and as positive as possible to help give them direction and keep communication lines strong.
