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Children Can Resolve To Mix It Up A Bit

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By FRED BOWEN, Special to The Washington Post

Published: January 3, 2008

WASHINGTON - The new year is a time for resolutions - promises you make to yourself for the days ahead.

Adults usually resolve to lose weight, exercise more or give up smoking.

Children who play sports can make resolutions, too. Here are some to think about for 2008.

•Spend more time playing sports and less time watching sports. Every weekend there are dozens of football and basketball games on television. It's OK to watch one or two, but don't forget to go outside and play, maybe throw a football around or shoot baskets. That's the way to stay healthy and become a better athlete. Don't be one of those video-game kids who think that "Backyard Baseball" and "Madden NFL '08" are actual sports.

•Learn the history of the games you enjoy. For instance, if you love lacrosse, visit the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame in Baltimore. You can see how the sport advanced from players wielding heavy sticks made from trees to the fast-moving, space-age game that's so popular today.

•Read a book about a great old-time player such as slugger Henry Aaron or running back Walter Payton. Not all of the great athletes are playing now. The stories of the games and players that your parents and grandparents watched are exciting.

•Don't complain about referees and umpires. It's easy to blame them if your team loses, but that won't help you get better. This year, learn to accept the officials' calls - good and bad - as part of the game. And remember to thank them afterward. It's not an easy job.

•Try a new sport. Playing soccer, basketball or anything else year-round is one way to get hurt or become bored with a sport. Mix it up in 2008. Learning to play a new sport is fun and usually builds your skills in other areas. Tennis is great for hand-eye coordination. Skateboarding helps your balance. Golf forces you to concentrate under pressure.

•Don't take sports so seriously. Yes, it's a great way to stay healthy, meet new people and have fun. But some kids go overboard, playing on several teams and going to tournaments every weekend. Make sure you take time for reading, learning to play a musical instrument or just hanging out with friends and family. That way, you will have a great 2008.

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