Unlocking the Power of Sports: How Lakshmi Jayanthi's App Builds Self-Confidence and Friendships - Lakshmi Jayanthi

In a world where screens dominate children's lives, one mother dared to challenge the status quo. Lakshmi Jayanthi, a loving and observant mother in Atlanta, noticed the fading days of carefree outdoor play. Determined to make a change, she took a leap of faith and created an app that would bridge the gap between structured sports and unstructured play. But little did she know, this app would lead her on a journey that would surpass her wildest dreams. Brace yourself for an unexpected twist that will leave you wondering: How did this app transform not only children's lives but an entire community? Find out how Lakshmi's creation sparked a revolution in physical activity and social connections, in a story that will captivate you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the pivotal role of physical activity in fostering children's holistic health and well-being.

• Learn about innovative ways to assemble children’s playgroups via the modern Pickup Sports for Families app.

• Understand the profound impact of sports on enhancing children's self-esteem, self-confidence, and interpersonal relations.

• Find out valuable tips on motivating girls to enthusiastically partake in sports and physical activities.

• Uncover how technology can bridge the divide between structured and whimsical play for our young ones. List 2:

My special guest is Lakshmi Jayanthi

Meet Lakshmi Jayanthi; a mother, innovator, and an advocate for outdoor play. Rooted firmly in her belief in the advantages of childhood sports and recreational activities, Lakshmi created an innovative app designed to inspire a love for physical play beyond the screens of various devices kids are accustomed to nowadays. It brings the joy of hopping from couch cushions onto the field tactfully and effortlessly, thus promoting a healthier and sociable childhood. With a background in sports herself, she recognizes the societal role of sports play in forging communities and friendships.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Download the app created by Lakshmi Jayanthi that helps kids pick up and play sports for fun in their neighborhoods.

• Sign up for a playgroup in your area through the app and invite friends and neighbors to join.

• Participate in regularly scheduled playgroups or create your own at a time and location that works for you.

• Access coaching instructions for parents to teach kids basic motor control and ball control skills for various sports through the app.

• Encourage your girls to play sports for the positive effects on their self-confidence, self-esteem, and friendships.

• Explore a variety of sports beyond traditional ones like football, basketball, and soccer, such as pickleball.

• Support the mission of getting kids outside and playing by utilizing the app and promoting outdoor activities.

• Help create a society that values casual and fun play for children, rather than focusing solely on professionalized youth sports.

• Spread the word about the app to friends, family, and community members to increase participation and access to playgroups.

• Imagine a future where the app becomes the go-to platform for finding playgroups and fostering a love for sports in children.

Benefits of Outdoor PlayOutdoor play, more than just fun and games, carries transformative powers. Stepping outside for a game of tag or a friendly match of soccer can do wonders for a child's health, development, and overall well-being. It's an exciting stage where they can explore, experiment, and push boundaries, all the while developing vital skills like problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, engaging in sports adds the cherry on top - introducing values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience that go a long way in shaping their personalities. During the conversation, Lakshmi Jayanthi recalled her own childhood experiences and the profound impact sports had on her life. Her memories of camaraderie, delightful victories, and learning to handle defeat functioned as a force to develop an app that facilitated casual sports among kids. She emphasized the significance of sports and outdoor play, highlighting how it led her to inspire children to leave their screens behind, flex their muscles, and forge new friendships.

Promoting Outdoor Play for KidsPromoting outdoor play for kids is not just about encouraging them to simply 'go out and play.' It is about creating a safe, engaging, and dynamic environment that motivates them to explore and enjoy their surroundings. No two days in the park are alike, and that's the beauty of outdoor play. It provides a diverse range of experiences, from digging in the mud, chasing butterflies to an impromptu football match. In the conversation with Altovise Pelzer, Lakshmi Jayanthi shared her concerns regarding modern day kids gravitating more towards screens, resulting in lesser outdoor play. She shared her vision of encouraging kids to play sports casually and bring back the joy, self-confidence, and friendships that outdoor games ensued.

Normalizing Outdoor ActivitiesNormalizing outdoor activities means a shift in focus from indoor, screen-dominated playing to the open, breezy playgrounds. Any change is challenging initially, but once people realize the massive benefits, the resistance wanes. Making outdoor activities an attractive and usual part of a child's routine could greatly improve their quality of life. Lakshmi Jayanthi stressed how important it was to integrate outdoor activities into kids' lives. Ideally, her app would act as a facilitator to this transition, and children would begin to view sports and outdoor activities as a regular, fun part of their lives, exactly like how dating or ride-sharing apps have become integral to many adults' lives.