In this episode of the Suburban Burnout Podcast, Megan and Laura dive headfirst into the whirlwind world of competitive youth sports. It's a place where soccer practice can feel like a 9 to 5 job, where the cost of gear rivals a small country's GDP, and where parents sometimes seem more invested than the athletes themselves. But fret not, dear parents, because we've got some simple advice that's bound to improve your athlete's relationship with their sport and your relationship with your athlete!
Sports Then & Now and the Ever-Changing Role of the Parent Competitive youth sports have undergone a tectonic shift in the last 30 years. Back in the day, Megan and Laura were lacing up their sneakers without a care in the world, but now, sports have transformed into mega-profit machines. If there was a way to charge for breathing on the soccer field, they'd figure it out! But, the lessons learned through sports (or any hobby that requires lots of practice and dedication) are worth every penny. Teamwork, work ethic, commitment and dedication, respect for authority figures, and learning to lose with grace are values that can be carried from the field to the classroom to the boardroom. To impart these life lessons to our children, a parent's focus should be on crafting a positive sports ecosystem ensuring they are happy and fulfilled by their hobby.
Don't turn into a sideline heckler (not a good look, folks)! Yelling at your kid, especially when it's the opposite of what the coach is saying, isn't helpful. Save your vocal cords for post-game positivity. Just watch this:
Speaking of post-game, avoid nit-picking every play. If your child wants to chat about the game, be the support they need. Remind them that even pro athletes fumble sometimes. The only thing they need to hear from you is, "Where do you want to go for ice cream?"
When your child is experiencing burnout and feels like throwing in the towel, give them space to cool off. If they're determined to quit, gently nudge them to finish the season. Why? Well, life lessons, my friends. Personal growth happens when we push through tough times.
Teach your kids how to harness negative attitudes and save those big emotions for an appropriate time and space. If they need to vent their frustration, make sure it's in the car, not on the field.
If homeostasis can't be reached in this sports ecosystem, your child is likely to give up on their sport. According to the National Alliance of Youth Sports, 70% of kids quit sports by age 13. The reasons?
1. Stress- the sport isn't fun anymore- Ensure your child knows that their love for the sport is paramount.
2. Parental pressure- The game is for them, not your long-lost athletic dreams. Leave the coaching to the coach. No child enjoys a post-game critique from their parent.
3. Injuries and lack of focus on mental well-being- When it comes to the physical and mental well-being of your athlete, remember to focus on good nutrition and hydration, stretching and warm-ups, and proper sleep. And encourage your kids to dabble in multiple sports – the cross-training creates more well-rounded athletes.
Entitlement in Sports
Participation trophies, cherished by young athletes, should be nothing more than a stepping stone to broader lessons as children mature. Shift the paradigm to "the reward is the work itself". While winning holds its allure, the real treasures of sports are found in the friendships formed, skills honed, and experiences gained.
Sport Politics
While no one likes having to "play the game", it is important to know where you stand as the parent and how your words or behavior can affect your child's success on a team. If your child has goals, talk to the coach collaboratively about how you can help your child achieve them. Show that you're not looking for a handout, but you're ready to roll up your sleeves and work.
So there you have it, parents, the 411 on competitive youth sports. Keep it fun, stay supportive, and remember, when in doubt, go for ice cream. Now, go out there and let your little athlete shine!
Sport Book Recommendation Links:
Comentarios