Baseball is America’s pastime and has been for over a century. You may love the sport, but your children might not have the slightest inkling of what it is or how to play it. This is when knowing some ways to get your kids interested in baseball comes into play to help them spark an interest in the sport and get them active and social. Think about how you can encourage them to give it a try without being overly pushy.

Take Them to a Game

Watching a game on a TV screen is one thing, but going to a park is a completely different experience—the energy throughout the crowd and watching the game play out before your eyes can be an infectious experience. Sitting at home and being a passive observer will bore most kids who haven’t experienced the real deal in person; people need an exciting kick to get them started.

Get Them the Right Equipment

If your kids start showing interest, you’ll need to go out and get them some quality equipment so they can enjoy the game to its fullest. No one’s expecting you to get the best, most expensive gear for your child when they show mild interest, but you need to provide them with equipment that won’t hinder their ability to play. Know how to pick out the right bat for their size so that they’ll be as comfortable as possible while learning to play.

Let Them Go at Their Own Pace

Watching your child show genuine interest in something you love is exciting, and it’s easy to get carried away with your passion. But sometimes, you need to take a step back. Getting your kids interested in baseball might mean taking a hands-off approach. If your children feel that you’re pushing them into it, they might reject it altogether or play it for your sake without really enjoying it.

Don’t Force It Upon Them

At the end of the day, after taking them to games, getting them the gear, and allowing them to play for a while, it might turn out your kids just don’t like baseball. You need to be okay with the fact that they might not want to play it, don’t like it as much as you, or that they just flat-out hate the game. Let your kids pick and choose their own hobbies and passions without forcing them down a particular path.