Active parents cut furrow for sporty children

Catherine Shanahan says an interest in sport needs to be fostered at home

MENTOR or tormentor, motivator or killjoy, it can be tricky figuring how best to whet our child’s appetite for sport. Mothers play a key role, recent research says. A report commissioned by Swim Ireland found children whose mothers were active in sport and exercise were more likely to become regular swimmers themselves.

While most parents recognise sport’s many virtues — sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, commitment and fair play — some are slow to capitalise on the benefits for the sake of the next generation.