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GOOD AGE TO START
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BENEFITS
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TO KEEP IT SAFE
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Gymnastics
– 2 for
parent-child classes; 3
for tumbling; 7 for parallel bars and beams (when balance and spatial awareness
are fine)
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Improves flexibility; builds arm and
torso strength
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An adult must spot children to prevent
falls. Padded mats will protect them from injury as well.
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Ballet/Dance
– 3, if class
includes lots of free movement; a 6-
or 7-year-old may
be ready for a structured class
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Improves flexibility, balance,
and coordination;
builds strength, using the child’s weight to do lunges and
plie’s
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Limit
classes to 45 to 60 minutes weekly until age 5 or 6 (longer,
frequent sessions may lead to fatigue and injuries).
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Soccer
– 3, to kick and
dribble; 5, to play
real games (until then, kids tend to just swarm around the ball)
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Improves eye-foot coordination; running builds bone mass and helps joints
develop
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Have her wear shin guard and sturdy shoes to prevent slips.
No heading (bouncing the ball off the head) until age 10.
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Swimming
– 5, when most kids
have developed the motor skills to master traditional strokes
like the crawl or sidestroke
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Strengthens upper body; builds endurance;
improves overall coordination
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Be sure the instructor’s trained in CPR
and that there’s always a lifeguard
on duty.
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T-ball
– 5 or 6, when eye-hand coordination is good enough to hit the ball
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Improves eye-hand coordination
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Your child should wear a batting helmet.
Kids with glasses need goggles too.
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Martial
Arts – 6, when
kids have more composure and developed motor skills for better
control of their body
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Helps them learn discipline and concentration;
good for kids who aren’t wild about team sports
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The class should be taught by a certified
instructor and the floors covered with mats.
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