The age at which we expect teens to specialize and focus on their future continues to get younger and younger, not just academically but athletically as well. The pressure of teen sports on athletes to perform well, earn scholarships, and go pro is extraordinary. Sometimes, the focus of an athletic program shifts toward an attitude of win at any cost to the detriment of the teen athletes.
How do you know when the pressure of teen sports has gone too far? Is your teen tired, cranky, depressed, or easily frustrated? Are your teen s grades beginning to slide? Are you getting messages from teachers that your teen is not turning in homework on time or coming to class prepared?
While these can all be indications of other issues as well, if your teen is active in sports, it is likely that he or she is experiencing the pressure of teen sports, whether your teen is on a school team or a community league of some kind. It s important to help your teen find some balance.
The advantage of teen sports is that it is likely that your teen is getting plenty of exercise, which helps him or her manage stress and emotions more effectively, as well as maintain health. However, the pressure of teen sports can also result in early and more devastating injuries that did not used to occur in players so young. If your teen is in pain, experiencing symptoms of being overworked, it s important to send the message that sports isn t everything.
As well, if your teen is struggling to maintain his or her grades or cannot keep up with the academic demands of school, it may be that the pressure of teen sports is interfering with your teen s ability to stay academically fit. In order to achieve balance for your teen, consider limiting the number of sports teams you allow your teen to participate in. Develop a relationship with your teen s teachers and coaches so that if a problem does arise, you can talk to them.
The pressure of teen sports can often be minimized by encouraging your school to participate in academic athlete programs, which require athletes to place emphasis on maintaining good grades and doing well in the classroom in order to be eligible to play. Whether your school has that kind of academic requirement or not, parents can play a role in minimizing the pressure of teen sports by encouraging balance, by speaking out when coaches and athletic programs have the wrong motivation, and by freeing your teen to pursue other interests besides sports when the pressure is too high.
Teen sports are an excellent way for your teen to learn leadership, accountability, and fair play. It is also a great way to help your teen learn how to be active for life and develop a healthy lifestyle. The pressure of teen sports, however, needs to be minimized and kept in perspective, and parents are the perfect people to help teens see that sports can be for fun and enjoyment and not just about the win.
Author Resource:
Norbert Georget is an accomplished professional speaker, teen motivator and author of the book, No-Nonsense Parenting For Today’s Teenager – How To Feel Like A Good Parent Even When Your Teenager Hates You. To learn more go to http://www.parentingtodaysteenager.com/home2book.html
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