Every so often, a sporting event on the television captures a child's imagination. Suddenly the living room is full of small commentators, and someone wants to try the same thing in the garden. That is a lovely moment to make the most of. You do not need to buy anything or organise anything grand. A little encouragement is often enough to move from watching to playing.
Strike while it is fresh
The best time to go outside is straight after the programme, while the excitement lasts. Ask what they liked best, and let them show you. Perhaps it was a goal, a jump, a serve or a lap around the track. Children often copy movements immediately, and you can join in and make it a game.
Adapt to what you have. A garden can become a tennis court with a chalk line, a football pitch with two jumpers or a running track marked out with cones made from plastic cups. Use whatever equipment you already own: a ball, a rope, a bicycle, a bucket. Improvisation is part of the fun, and it means nobody has to buy anything before they can begin.
Make your own small competition. Give out medals made from cardboard and string, run a family sports afternoon with a handful of events, and let everyone choose one. Include silly events, such as running while carrying a ball on a spoon. Cheer for every competitor, including the one who comes last.
Follow the child's lead
Some children will want to try a sport for a day and then forget about it; others will keep coming back. Neither is a problem. If your child wants to try a proper club, you can look at what is available locally and let them visit before deciding. Avoid pushing or setting goals. The point is to have fun and to find something they enjoy.
Talk about what you watched. Discuss the teamwork, the effort and the sportsmanship, and let children tell you what they noticed. It is a nice way to spend time together and to keep the enthusiasm going. Next time a match is on, there will be a ball and a patch of grass waiting for the final whistle, and the living room will be a little quieter.
