Sports allow kids to learn and master a variety of skills. Not only does it make kids more physically fit, but sports can also give kids the opportunity to interact, build friendship, communicate better, and learn important qualities like sportsmanship, teamwork, and diligence. But before all that, you need to convince your child first to leave his or her toys behind and give sports a try.

Find out where your kid’s interests lie.

Don’t assume anything. Just because your kid’s a boy doesn’t mean he’s automatically interested in basketball or football. At the same time, just because your kid’s a girl doesn’t mean she’s inclined to prefer a sport with less physical contact such as tennis or volleyball.

Although genetics and family history could influence your child’s preferences in sports, they can only do so at a certain extent. It’s not unheard of to have a badminton-loving member in a golf-playing family.

You need to listen instead of making any assumptions. Of course, there’s also a possibility that your child himself is still unsure of the type of sports he’s interested in. If so, it’s your job to ask leading questions. Does he enjoy playing outdoors or indoors? Does he prefer to play games focused on speed, stamina, or strategy? Answers to such questions will give you a clue on the kind of sport your kid is most likely to enjoy.

Start at home.

Don’t immediately enroll your kid in a sports clinic the moment you discover where his interests lie. Rather, see how far his liking for the sports goes by playing a game or two in your backyard or outside your house. Throw or pitch a couple of balls and see if he’s entertained. More importantly, practicing at home will give your child the opportunity to explore his decision and determine for himself if the sport’s indeed something he’d enjoy playing.

Prove how enjoyable sports can be.

Another way of motivating your child to participate in sports is to show them by example how enjoyable such activities can be. Play with them. Better yet, invite a few friends and some of his playmates even and play a game or two.

Give him exposure.

Let him know more about the different kinds of sports and why it’s enjoyable for so many people. Watch a game on TV or, if possible, watch it live. There’s nothing more impressive – and convincing – than when you’re watching a game in a crowded stadium and everyone around you is having a good time. Visit sports shops as well and point out to him the different kinds of equipment he might have to use in sports.

Choose the right setting.

Some kids prefer to practice sports alone before joining a sports camp. Other kids, however, prefer immediate action and interaction. Choosing the appropriate setting for your kid will help him know and enjoy sports more.

Be supportive.

You need to make sure your child understand that your goals for having him join sport is to see him happy and, of course, have him become healthier and stronger. Although winning a game would be nice, it isn’t your ultimate goal and neither should it be for him.

He’s your kid first, an athlete second.

Most importantly of all, do remember that he is your child first and being an athlete is only his secondary role. Motivate him with that thought in mind and you’ll do fine.

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Writing motivating poems is simple and easy. If you don’t believe that then you probably need to read one or two of them yourself. Here are other tips to help you write a motivating poem.

Find a source of inspiration. Inspiration can come from within but it can also be an external source. Either way is fine as long as it helps you think of good and happy thoughts.

Write freely and write from the heart. Don’t think about what other people would say. Remember that you are writing for yourself and to make others happy. Concentrate on what your heart is telling you. Think about the things that make you happy and write about that. In writing motivating poems, the first things you should focus on are its content and message. Worry about grammar, rhyme, and the likes after and not before.

Be patient. Writing a motivating poem is truly simple and easy, but there’s also the right time to do it. If no words seem to sound right then maybe you should give it a rest and get back to it when you’re feeling more inspired. Wait for your muse to come. Wait for Lady Luck to smile on you. The right time will come sooner and later and when it does, you’ll be surprised at fast you’ll be scribbling down those words.

Be flexible. Motivating poems must not be rigid. Don’t begin your poem with strict, inflexible views on how it should be. Neither should you force your feelings to conform to your expectations. When you do that, it won’t end up a motivating poem. Remember: a poem can only motivate when it’s written by a person who’s motivated and with the intention to motivate.

Pray or meditate. If you are a religious person, pray to God and He shall help you find the grace and strength you need to make a beautiful motivating poem. After all, there is no better source of inspiration than God Himself, is there?

Remember, however, that prayers are more effective when they’re two-way. Don’t spend the whole time talking to God, telling Him what He already knows and asking what He already intends to give. Part of praying also involves listening. This is harder than speaking to God because sometimes, we are blind and deaf to what God is telling us.

An alternative to praying is meditation. Meditating is more effective and easier to achieve if you’re in a room where you can be alone and be free from distractions. Start with a couple of breathing exercises, imagining all the while that every time you inhale, you take in peace and every time you exhale, you remove stress from your system.

Focus inwards and soon, your mind, heart, and soul will tell you whatever you need to know in order to make a motivating poem.

Take all criticism constructively. When you are done writing your poem, leave it for a day or two then review it once more and see if you can think of something to revise. When you’re satisfied with your poem, have a loved one read it.

If they voice out certain concerns, remember that they are only doing so for your own good. Take criticism constructively; listen to what they have to say, learn from your mistakes, and make your poem better. And if you need more motivation and inspiration, look for your favorite poem and re-read it.

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