Parents & Youth Sports: Keeping your Kids in the Game It’s no secret that most kids drop out of sports by the time they’re in middle school.[1] This is unfortunate because sports can have many benefits for kids including:[2] •reduced risk of obesity •increased cardiovascular fitness •healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons •improved coordination and balance •a greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension (such as headache or back ache) •improved sleep •mental health benefits, such as greater confidence •improved social skills and personal skills - including cooperation and leadership If your child doesn't participate in sports or drops out of sports by middle school, …show more content…
I've observed young athletes who are subjected to bullying. They often feel angry or frustrated. They lose focus, feel anxious, play or perform tentatively, drop out of tournaments or competitions, or quit sports altogether. Some players are reluctant to tell their parents about bullying because they’re embarrassed. For example, one of my daughter’s friends dropped out of basketball because the other children teased her in the locker room. She shared the true reason with my daughter, who witnessed the bullying; however, she hid it from her parents because she was embarrassed. It’s important for parents to be proactive when it comes to bullying in youth sports. Does the league your child participates in have rules of conduct which prohibit bullying? If not, you can suggest that the league implement antibullying rules. Keep an eye on your child. Has your child suddenly stopped enjoying games or practices? Does he behave fearfully around other players or coaches? Establish open lines of communication with your child to ensure he feels comfortable talking the team atmosphere. Keep in mind that sometimes, children won't tell their parents they're the targets of bullies. It's a good idea to ask kids directly about whether anyone on their team is teased or harassed. This is an indication of team culture and it can affect your child too. If your child is young, attend a few practices to keep an eye out for teasing and harassing. If the kids are older, you might want to drop in for a few practices to observe or to talk with other parents about their kid's