Homeschooling your child can have many positive impacts on their mental health, but many parents believe that homeschoolers lack access to sports. The opposite is true — many homeschooled students play sports at high levels! Whether they want to play basketball or try out swimming, many students find playing sports exhilarating and look forward to connecting with peers and working toward their goals.
When you know what sports activities your child can enjoy, you can help them achieve their sporting dreams, socialize and learn new skills.
How Can Homeschooled Students Play Sports?
Homeschool students can play sports. Contrary to popular belief, they often have more access to sports than public school students. For example, if your child wants to play casual sports to meet new friends, they can join a league or form their own teams. Some homeschooled students also take physical education as an elective to supplement their interest in sports.
Many student-athletes opt for homeschooling because it gives them more time to dedicate to extracurriculars. Homeschooled students also have more variety of sports to choose from, as they can look outside the traditional school parameters.
Can Homeschoolers Play Sports for Public Schools?
The rules for homeschool participation in public school sports vary by state. Homeschoolers in states that allow them to compete may have to meet specific eligibility requirements.
First you will need to research your state’s homeschooling laws, specifically if your state allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports. From our state homeschooling guide, you can find resources on all your state’s laws and requirements.
If your state does permit homeschoolers to participate, your next step will be to contact the district office and ask about what their rules are for homeschoolers in sports. Be prepared to provide your child’s residency details as eligibility often depends on living within the district’s boundaries.
If however you live in a state where your child cannot play for public school, you have several alternatives, including:
- Community leagues: Many places offer sports leagues for their youth.
- Private or charter school teams: In some cases, private and charter schools allow homeschoolers to join their sports teams.
- Homeschool sports leagues: As homeschooling becomes more popular, many regions have started sports leagues exclusively for homeschoolers.
- Club sports: Club teams provide high levels of competition. They’re often unaffiliated with schools, allowing homeschoolers to participate at any level.
The Benefits of Sports for Homeschool Students
Participating in sports offers significant benefits for children.
Improved Physical and Mental Health
The health and wellness benefits of physical activity are well documented. Any form of sports helps improve coordination, balance, weight regulation and strength. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can enhance your child’s mental well-being. Sports can also help kids learn to manage stress, boost self-esteem and help with brain function — all important elements of a successful school career.
Increased Socialization Opportunities
Sports give your child more opportunities to interact with peers and develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. They learn to work in a group, play by the rules, win humbly and lose graciously, all while building friendships and connections outside of home or online classes.
Tips for Balancing Sports and Homeschooling
Despite the benefits of sports, it’s natural to want a balance between your child’s academics and extracurriculars. The following tips can help you create a positive student experience while allowing your child to enjoy all the advantages of playing sports.
Set Realistic Goals
Many children thrive when they have a goal to work toward. Help your child set goals for academics and sports, and encourage them to break large goals into small, actionable steps they can work on daily. Some steps for setting goals with your child include:
- Making goals specific, measurable, realistic, achievable and time-bound (SMART): Measurable goals help kids understand where they started, what they’ve accomplished and the work ahead.
- Letting your child choose the big goals: Your child may be more motivated to achieve their goals if they feel passionate about them. Brainstorm some ideas and let them choose the goals that resonate most.
- Finding the why: Your child could be more motivated to achieve their goals when they understand why they’re making them. Work with them to uncover the purpose behind each goal so they can keep it in mind when working toward it.
- Visualizing the steps: Help your child visualize their steps to reach their goals. Write the main goal at the top of a piece of paper, and then underneath, write down all the steps they need to take to get there.
Focus on Time Management
Many children face challenges in managing their time between classes, sports and study. Help your child develop strong organizational skills with the following tips:
- Create a schedule: Sit with your child and work out a weekly schedule that includes sports, schoolwork and study. Homeschooling gives you flexible scheduling, which you can use to your advantage. However, make sure you schedule time for relaxation so your child isn’t constantly rushing from one activity to the next.
- Prioritize activities: Encourage your child to prioritize important tasks, like upcoming tests or sports games, without neglecting daily schoolwork and training.
Encourage Strong Study Habits
Sports and extracurriculars take up time, making it important for your child to develop effective study habits. Create a designated study space for your child, and encourage them to use it consistently for their academics. You can stock the space with pencils, notebooks, art supplies and fidget toys. Break study time up into manageable chunks, and give them plenty of breaks.
Help Your Child Develop Healthy Habits
Success in school and sports begins with a healthy lifestyle. Physically and mentally healthy children can give their best in school and on the field. Support your child’s health and well-being by instilling the following habits:
- Get enough sleep: Encourage your child to go to bed and wake up at similar times every day.
- Eat a balanced diet: Proper nutrition helps your child perform all their activities. Teach them to stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
- Prioritize mental health: Communicate with your child and ask them to be open about their feelings.
- Encourage learning from mistakes: Mistakes are part of the process in sports and academics, yet many children put pressure on themselves to be perfect. Instill a growth mindset in your child by teaching them that setbacks are learning opportunities.
Make Time for Your Child’s Sports With Power Homeschool
Homeschooling your child allows you to include sports in their daily lives. Every student’s learning journey is unique. Power Homeschool empowers parents to enrich their children, allowing them to learn at their best pace while pursuing extracurricular activities and sports. You can choose from hundreds of Acellus® courses for your child to complete when it works for both of your schedules.
Our homeschooling platform sets student-athletes up for success, with access to the latest technology and resources to keep their academics on track. Find balance throughout your child’s academic career. Learn more about Power Homeschool today!
