Mental Health in Youth Sports

It can be thrilling to watch your young athlete score a goal, make a touchdown, hit a home run, or win a race. Kids and teens can have loads of fun competing, training, being part of a team, growing individually, building a relationship with a coach, and challenging themselves. Parents can connect with other families, support their children, and model resilience. Participating in sports can be a wonderful part of childhood and adolescence. It can also present the opportunity for parents to experience intense emotional investment in their child’s success or failure, as well as demands for financial, time, personal, and family commitments. While your child (or you) may desire to become a professional athlete (and for some very, very select few, this is a reality), it is very important to consider the role sports participation has in your lives so that your child has a positive and healthy experience.  

Here are some articles with data and practical strategies for incorporating sports in your family life. 

Burnout in Young Athletes: How to Keep the Fun in Sports

Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes

Have fun supporting your little athlete!

Dr. Laura