The Stress-Free Sports Solution for Athletes
Dr. John A. Thornton
Sports provide a great opportunity for athletes to exercise and develop a greater level of team spirit. Collaborating with others on the pitch teaches them how to get develop relationships off the pitch as well.
By some estimates, three out of four children come to hate sports by the time they turn 13 and it takes them a long time to rekindle that love if they ever do at all.
So, when do sports turn into a negative experience? It happens when the competition gets too intense and it stops being fun.
If you want to benefit from sports, you may need to resist the competitive pressures that blur the line between recreational soccer and the EPL. Below are some steps you can use to keep things fun and productive.
Steps to Take Yourself
1.
Avoid living in the past. Athletes often get
carried away trying to relive their past glory.
2.
Root for everybody. Establish appropriate
boundaries and cheer for all the players. That includes the opposing team. Saying good save
to the keeper on the opposing team shows that you recognize a good play, it is
not a sign of weakness.
3.
Avoid giving other instructions. It’s confusing for athletes
to listen to advice from their peers while the coach is guiding them. Share
your recommendations with the TV while you’re watching Sunday football, but
leave your kids alone while they’re playing.
Steps to Take with Your Student-Athlete
1.
Be positive. Let your student-athlete know
you love and support them, regardless of whether they score in a game. Congratulate them
for developing skills, taking risks, and supporting their team.
2.
Encourage diversity. The trend towards
early specialization is causing overuse injuries and stress for kids. Encourage
your child to sample swimming and lacrosse.
3.
Teach responsibility. It’s good for
children to understand the importance of keeping commitments. Praise them for
getting up early to attend practice.
4.
Save for college. Very few student-athletes
go on to professional careers. If you’re spending thousands of dollars on training
in hopes of a full scholarship, you’re better off opening a college savings
account.
5.
Watch for burnout. Upset stomachs and headaches
may be a sign that your child is pushing too hard. Reassure them that
it’s okay to drop tennis if their welfare is in question. However, unless the
situation is urgent, you may want to stress the importance of finishing the
season. You want to avoid teaching your kids that they can quit whenever things
get tough.
6. Promote balance. Well-rounded student-athletes are usually the happiest and most successful. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for their schoolwork and leisure activities, as well as their sports performance.
7. The Goal. Sports are a great way for kids to get in shape, make friends, learn about teamwork, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Let your children know that they’re winners as long as they try their best!
Steps to Take with Your Student-Athlete’s Coaches
1. Clarify commitments. Get a sense of the coach’s philosophy and how much time your child will be asked to devote to the sport. Do you want them to be traveling every weekend for away games?
2. Arrange for feedback. Ask your athlete’s coaches how they give feedback
3. Let you, athletes advocate, for themselves. Your athlete will grow more by handling issues for themselves. Still, there may be times when you’ll want to step in to ensure your athlete is being treated appropriately.
