---
title: "How to Motivate Children to Play Sports? 5 Tips!"
date: 2026-01-05T15:21:00+01:00
author: "henk@noregt.com"
canonical_url: "https://www.renzogracietilburg.nl/en/news/how-to-motivate-children-to-play-sports-5-tips"
section: Nieuws
---
# How to Motivate Children to Play Sports? 5 Tips!

 

 

 

 *05 January 2026* | [Lees dit in het Nederlands](https://www.renzogracietilburg.nl/nieuws/hoe-motiveer-je-kinderen-om-te-sporten-5-tips)

 ![Kids promoties Renzo Gracie Tilburg](/afbeeldingen/nieuws/Kids-promoties/_groot/14800/Kids-promoties-RGT-5313.avif) 

Many children prefer spending time on video games, mobile phones, TV, or the internet rather than playing sports. Combined with poor eating habits, this results in childhood overweight becoming increasingly common. Here are 5 helpful tips to motivate your child to be more active.

 

 

 

 

 ## 1. Make it fun

  

  

Both children and adults are much more likely to play sports when they genuinely enjoy it. We teach our classes in a playful way, where they learn BJJ through fun activities. Check out our [**kids BJJ classes**](https://www.renzogracietilburg.nl/en/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-for-kids-juniors)!

 

 

 

  ## 2. Join in yourself

 ![Een klein meisje traint BJJ met haar moeder](/afbeeldingen/nieuws/_klein/18550/een-klein-meisje-traint-BJJ-met-haar-moeder.avif) 

This doesn’t mean you literally have to participate in the kids’ class, but showing interest in the sport your child is doing makes a difference. Many of the children who participate in our [**Brazilian Jiu Jitsu**](https://www.renzogracietilburg.nl/en/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-for-kids-juniors) classes have parents who practice the same sport.

Children often train together with both their father and mother. In this way everyone improves, and it strengthens the bond within the family.

 

 

 

  ## 3. Let your children choose

 

You might be crazy about soccer, but is your child? There’s nothing more demotivating than having to do a sport your child didn’t choose. That doesn’t mean they don’t have to be active; it means letting them decide **which** sport they want to do.

 

 

 

  ## 4. Set a good example

 

You can hardly motivate your child to play sports if you yourself never do anything active. The best example is to show how fun sports can be. Share your own results and the positive effects of being active with the rest of the family.

 

 

 

  ## 5. Encourage them

 ![Kids promoties Renzo Gracie Tilburg](/afbeeldingen/nieuws/Kids-promoties/_klein/14802/Kids-promoties-RGT-5582.avif) 

The stereotypical image of an aggressive parent on the sidelines isn’t helpful, but **encouragement and support do make a difference**. Help them as much as possible, bring them to training, answer their questions. And don’t forget; besides becoming healthier, playing sports also teaches discipline and commitment, skills from which a child can benefit for life.

 

 

 

  ## Sports for children at Renzo Gracie Tilburg

Children who like to wrestle and want to become more resilient can join [**BJJ kids**](https://www.renzogracietilburg.nl/en/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-for-kids-juniors), a defensive sport for everyone. There are also BJJ groups available for parents.

Curious? Come and watch or sign up for a free trial lesson!

 

[Trial lesson](/en/trial-class)

 

 

 

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