When it comes to toddler football club Dunstable, you, as the parent, need to approach it in a realistic, supportive way. Here, we will look at how you should approach each class.
You will likely be thinking of bringing your little one to toddler football because you want them to have an activity to go to each week where they will learn new things, get active and, most importantly, have fun. Because at such a young age, having an activity that is fun is the way in which they want to keep coming back.
Yes, coming to a football club will help them with their physical development, keep them active and boost their confidence but it all being fun will mean that they will more likely stick at it and stay active.
Within this article, we will look at how you should approach toddler football and what you should expect from each class.
Fun Should Be The #1 Priority!
We have already touched on this but the number one priority of toddler football should be fun! As a toddler, your child does not have the attention span for going into detailed rules or game strategy. This is why, at Socatots, we teach skills in a fun way using goals, skittles and child-friendly music.
It being fun will mean that it benefits your child’s mental health as well as their physical health. Research shows that children and young people who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety and stress, and they have better social skills.
Building Basic Skills
Your toddler will build basic motor skills and cognitive skills as football is an excellent way to support the development of your child. Attending football classes will help your child in the following ways:
- Motor skills – Balance, coordination and movement
- Cognitive skills – Numeracy, speech and colour recognition
- Social skills – Teamwork, communication and confidence
The simple activities that they will do at Socatots will help develop basic skills whilst strengthening bones and muscles.
Being Patient and Positive
When it comes to how best to approach toddler football as a parent, it is really important that you have a positive attitude towards what your child is doing and that you stay patient.
You need to be patient with their progress and in any areas where they are struggling. When they overcome an area they are struggling in, make sure to praise them not only for overcoming the hard skill but for keeping trying. Everything they succeed, make sure to celebrate with them. They need to know that they are doing well and that you are proud of them.
Keeping A Balance
When you want your toddler to be active, to be learning and to be entertained, it is easy to think they need to be doing an activity every day. But, it is important to have balance.
Routine is really important for children but they also need time to just be. They need time to be able to play and to use their imagination. Too many structured activities could prevent them having enough time to play and to rest.
Being There For Them At Each Class (And Beyond)
At Socatots, parents are involved in each and every class. Parents being a part of the class helps toddlers to feel safe. And when you are there to help them do each task and to cheer them on, you will be strengthening the bond you have with your child.
You can also be there for them by helping them to practice skills at home or simply having a kick-around in your garden or local park.
As they get older, you won’t be as involved in classes but you should still suggest a kick-around and, when they start playing in matches, be there cheering them on from the sidelines.
Ready To Bring Your Child To Toddler Football Club Dunstable?
If you are thinking of bringing your toddler to a football club, one of the main things that you need to remember is that it is all supposed to be fun. They will learn some basic skills that aid their motor skills and cognitive development but it will all be done in a fun way.
And you have to keep it fun by staying positive, being patient and being there for them, in class and by helping them practice in-between classes.
At our Socatots classes, your toddler will learn and develop. They will make friends and form a stronger bond with you. And they will do it all whilst having lots of fun.
Find out more information about your local toddler football club in Dunstable