The most dependable way to protect children is to build self-assurance and that can be done in many ways. Sport is possibly the most powerful and enjoyable way to build confidence and why many parents enrol their children in sports. However, the perceived benefits for boys and girls can be quite different.

 

• Boys naturally adopt physical contact sports because male expression is often aligned to fighting and this is evident in male music, video games, sports, play and films.

 

• Girls however perceive fighting external to their lives and mostly absent in female environments.

 

Let’s face it, how many girls relish the idea of running straight at someone bigger and stronger than them in a rugby tackle? Or are lining up to have someone punch them in the face whilst boxing?

Not having physical contact in female sports reduces the perceived need for being strong. Further for women and girls, physical strength is often considered not as important as physical appearance and often chose sports that offer less strength and tactical training. Whilst physical activity should always be encouraged self-defence that simultaneously builds confidence should be the most highly ranked for girls.

 

Being bullied is often linked to:

 

• people that are perceived as less confident;
• lack of confident encounters at home through unhealthy family relationships;
• those that have not participated in sports/activities that identify improvements week after week -that builds self-esteem.

 

Whilst boys are bullied, girls are bullied by both genders and it is important that girls be given the opportunities that boys have always enjoyed through combat sports.

Boys have historically been involved in confidence building sports and are less fearful as a consequence of continual exposure to impact and strength. Whist fewer girls and women participate in sports like rugby, boxing or weightlifting all the women report a huge boost in psychological confidence from participating in these sports. The key is making these contact sports more desirable to girls.

 

Choosing martial art classes should include different gender needs and significant differences include:

 

• boys’ classes that focus on -energy expulsion, competition, self-development and strength;
• the girls’ classes that focus on -confidence building, exerting power through technique and strategy;
• all classes have the mutual goals of exercise and disciple but focus more attentively to the needs of the participants.

 

Building confidence can be achieved in many ways but recognising that the perception of danger or anxiety is very different for boys and girls is important. Considering the differences before choosing the activities will maximise the benefits for children.

 

 

Next week ……..Movember awareness

 

 

 

 

 

How boys and girls handle bullying

Disclaimer

The article below is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional advice. For health related information please consult a health professional prior to commencing any program including a exercise or dietary program.

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