Resources for Parents of Young Athletes

Is your child overly nervous before games or competitions? While a bit of nervousness is normal, excessive anxiety can hinder their performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Has your child lost the spark they once had for their sport? A sudden or gradual disinterest in practices, games, or competitions can be a sign of underlying issues.

Listen to how your child speaks about themselves and their performance. Persistent negative self-talk or self-criticism can impact their confidence and overall mental health.

Is your child overly focused on achieving perfection? High expectations and an inability to accept mistakes can lead to burnout and frustration.

How does your child handle losses or setbacks? Difficulty coping with failure or an unhealthy reaction to mistakes can be a sign they need support in developing resilience.

Noticeable changes in your child’s mood or behavior, such as increased irritability, sadness, or withdrawal from social activities, can indicate stress or mental fatigue.

Does your child avoid taking risks or trying new techniques due to fear of making mistakes? This fear can limit their growth and development in the sport.

Sport should be fun! If your child no longer enjoys playing, it may be time to explore the reasons behind their feelings.

Struggling to stay focused during practices or games can be a sign of mental overload or distractions that need to be addressed.

Sometimes, mental stress manifests physically. Watch for complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical symptoms.