It is a well known fact that sports participation provides many social benefits to children. However, according to a recent study, children aren’t the only ones who are benefiting from their time on the field. In a study conducted by the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University (Ind.), researchers found that adults can receive several advantageous social benefits through their child’s youth sports experience as well.

 

The results, which were published in a recent issue of theJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, are based on interviews conducted with 26 parents of children, ages 6-15, who participate in organized team sports such as basketball, baseball, softball or soccer.

 

Participants indicated that involvement in their child’s youth sports experience improved social skills such as working well with others and making new friends. Many participants also reported significant improvement in spousal communication and time management as well.

"People often think about how youth sport benefits children because of physical activity, self-confidence and friendships, but we found that parents also are affected when their children play organized team sports," said Travis Dorsch, a doctoral student at Purdue University who assisted in the study.

Several participants noted how their child’s youth sports experience enabled them to cultivate lasting friendships with other adults that are often maintained well after the children are finished with the sport. A number of participants in the study also claimed they had begun participating in a sport themselves simply due to their child’s interest in the game.

"I don't think it's terribly surprising that parents connect with one another, but what was surprising is the intensity of that connection," said Alan Smith, associate professor of health and kinesiology. "Many view themselves differently, as well as their children differently, after exposure to youth sports. This experience was very eye-opening for them whether or not they themselves were previously involved in sports."

The study looked at how parents perceive their own change following their children’s participation in sports. Although the results were generally positive, several parents did admit to feeling frustration when a child failed to be selected for a competitive travel team. Some also admitted feeling guilty for wishing for their child’s team to lose so that the season would end.