Andi Eigenmann and her fiancé Philmar Alipayo's daughter Lilo is just three years old, but she's already showing signs of excelling in surfing.
After all, Philmar, a native of Siargao Island, is a surfing champion and Andi has picked up the sport again after giving birth, in 2021, to her third child, a boy they've named Koa. The bunso in the family, with Andi's panganay Ellie as the eldest, has also taken up surfing (read here).
Plus, the family practically has the beach in their backyard, so they can all surf as much as they can.
Andi has been giving an update on Lilo's progress on the surfboard through social media.
"Surfing lessons with Papa are now a go for Lilo," she captioned one of her posts showing Philmar guiding their daughter at sea, "and I'm so happy for them. Also, we have another goofy- footed surfer in the fam!"
In an earlier post, Andi said of the future athlete: "Lilo surfing on her own at 3 yrs old. We are surprised to learn that she is a regular! Surf coach Papa immediately says, 'Oh yes, Cloud 9, lez gooo!'" She's referring to the famous surfing spot in Siargao.
Andi said more about Lilo, "You can see her becoming more confident, and paddling for her waves at the end. Really proud of her for trying, but most of all for having so much, as she repeatedly said!"
Why you should get your child into sports
Aside from surfing, there are many other sports that your child can try and offer these benefits:
1. Lower risk for obesity
Spending a lot of time doing physical activities can lessen the chance that your child will be overweight or will suffer from obesity. A study suggests that children who exercise are more likely to be as active as adults.
2. Improved motor skills.
Kids who need help in this area should be given a chance to try it out by engaging in sports that they enjoy. (Read here on the child's development of motor skills.)
3. Improved social skills.
Playing sports is an excellent way for your children to meet other kids and to improve their social skills, especially if they are engaged in a team sports like soccer or basketball. Even if your children choose to engage in individual sports such as gymnastics or swimming, it will still be a great opportunity to meet other kids who are interested in the same sports as they are.
4. Learning how to accept defeat.
Wins and losses are part of any sport, and this is an excellent way to prepare your children for real life wins and losses. There will be loads of opportunities to learn how to accept defeat, and, just as important, the chance to learn how to win gracefully.
5. Nurturing leadership qualities.
Playing sports is a good opportunity for your children to learn how to overcome adversity, to persevere, to keep a positive attitude, and to be committed–all qualities of a good leader. They don't have to be in the leader of their team or even engage in team sports.
6. Better stress management.
Exercise is a good stress reliever and mood improver for everyone. It increases the production of endorphins, which are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and can make one feel good.
If your children are often tensed and anxious, exercise can help decrease these and improve their mood. If your children always have an abundance of energy, having a regular outlet for it will help them feel more relaxed and less hyperactive.
7. Increased self-esteem and confidence.
The best way for kids to develop their self-esteem and confidence is for them to feel good about themselves. Kids who are into sports constantly face physical challenges, and overcoming these make them feel good and accomplished. The knowledge that they can do things they set their mind to will do wonders for their self-esteem and confidence.
8. Having self-discipline and focus.
Engaging in a sport requires focus and self-discipline. The routine of practices and drills will train your children and equip them to reach their goals. Many kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have developed better focus and self-control when they took up a sport, particularly individual sports.
9. Appreciating the value of hard work.
Having a sport will help your child learn to set goals and to work hard for them. Sports can be more effective because the result is immediate. Examples: a few more rounds at basketball practice can mean shooting more baskets at the next game, or a few more laps at swim practice can mean improving lap time by a second or two.
Read here on ways to help your child have a positive attitude in sports.
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